NA-2701 A FINE AND EARLY TSIMSHIAN SHAMAN'S AMULET

This Northwest Coast amulet, pierced for suspension, was used by a shaman to invoke spiritual healing for his ailing tribesmen. It is carved from a walrus tusk as a human form with remains of black pigment, probably pitch. Shamans wore amulets either as single pendants, or in groups as part of necklaces, tunics , or aprons, this being a singular type.

ORIGIN

Northwest Coast, Tsimshian Tribe, British Columbia, Canada, circa 1840-1860.

DIMENSION

H 3.6IN x W 0.9IN x D 1IN
H 9.144CM x W 2.286CM x D 2.54CM

PROVENANCE

Ex-Proctor Stafford Collection, Los Angeles, California. Acquired during the 1960s.

CONDITION

Excellent.