Shaman's Face
9 cms x 9.5 cms (3.54 ins x 3.74 ins)
Signed in syllabics
Lot offered for sale by Waddington's, Toronto at the auction event "Inuit Art" held on Tue, Nov 19, 2019.
Lot 44
Lot 44
Estimate: CAD $5,000 - $7,000
Realised: CAD $50,400
Realised: CAD $50,400
Lot description - from the online catalogue*
Provenance:
The Pat and Carl Wisoff Collection, Virginia
Images of the North, San Francisco
Literature:
Jean Blodgett, The Coming and Going of the Shaman Eskimo Shamanism and Art, 1978, p. 182
Notes:
The human face or variations of the human face are often associated with shamanism, with a focus on the characteristics of the mouth. Jagged teeth, tattoos and a mouth from which something protrudes are distinctive traits. Even empty O-shaped mouths carry significance; an open mouth is almost always associated with breath, breath represents life, and also carries a person's spirit. When a person dies, their breath, and therefore their soul, leave their body. A shaman's breath is believed to have healing powers. If a shaman breathes on the sick, his powerful spirit emerges from his open mouth and restores the ailing victim.
The Pat and Carl Wisoff Collection, Virginia
Images of the North, San Francisco
Literature:
Jean Blodgett, The Coming and Going of the Shaman Eskimo Shamanism and Art, 1978, p. 182
Notes:
The human face or variations of the human face are often associated with shamanism, with a focus on the characteristics of the mouth. Jagged teeth, tattoos and a mouth from which something protrudes are distinctive traits. Even empty O-shaped mouths carry significance; an open mouth is almost always associated with breath, breath represents life, and also carries a person's spirit. When a person dies, their breath, and therefore their soul, leave their body. A shaman's breath is believed to have healing powers. If a shaman breathes on the sick, his powerful spirit emerges from his open mouth and restores the ailing victim.
Most realised prices include the Buyer's Premium of 18-25%, but not the HST/GST Tax.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Waddington's auction house for permission to use.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Waddington's auction house for permission to use.