Description: Rare Antique Alaskan Yupik Bering Sea Eskimo Covered Coiled Basket with Four Original Carved Bone Ornaments, Circa 1880-1920 This expertly constructed covered coiled Yupik Eskimo basketry storage or trinket basket is made of a species of Arctic rye grass on a grass-bundle foundation. Examples of this type of Bering Sea Eskimo basketry were first collected by Nelson on anthropological expeditions in 1877-1881 (see: Fitzhugh & Kaplan. 1982. Inua: Spirit World of the Bering Sea Eskimo. Smithsonian Institution Press. pp. 126-29). Besides its sculptural shape and a tight-fitting flanged cover, the basket is ornamented with four carved bone button-like decorations which are sewn on with sinew. The overall patina testifies to the age of this piece. The basket is very sturdy and solid. The Yupik-speaking Eskimos inhabit the southern Bering Sea coast and the Yukon and Kuskokwim River drainages up to a point north of St. Michael, an early Russian-established coastal trading center. To the east of Yupik territory is the vast interior of Alaska occupied by Athapaskan-speaking Indians. Through a long history of trade, the Yupik and their Indian neighbors share many cross-cultural influences. Dimensions: 7" tall x 6-3/4" wide (max. diameter). Lid: 4-1/2" diameter. Base: 4-1/4" diameter. Bone Ornaments: 2 rectangular: 7/16" x 1/2", 2 round: 1/2" diameter. Condition: Very Good. No breaks or repairs. There are small areas of minor stitch loss around the rim of cover, upper rim, and on base due to age and use. Also, there is evidence of the loss of a small leather ring handle from the center of the cover (see photos).
Price: 499 USD
Location: Tularosa, New Mexico
End Time: 2024-02-17T16:22:47.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Handmade: Yes
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Culture: Native American: US
Provenance: Ownership History Available
Origin: Alaska
Tribal Affiliation: Yupik Eskimo
