Northwest Coast, Nootka, Yuquot, Whaler's Shrine Figure (18th century).

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Northwest Coast, Nootka, Yuquot, Whaler's Shrine Figure (18th century).:
$10500.00

This is an important and exceedingly rare Nootka (Yuquot) Whaler's Shrine Figure. It dates from the late 18th to early 19th century (1780s - 1830s), or earlier.
Quite a few other examples of such are illustrated in Aldona Jonaitis' fantastic book " The Yuquot Whaler's Shrine"; the buyer of this objective will receive a copy of this hardcover book.
This figure is a rare hybrid of the Pedestal type (Group D) and the Spatulate type (Group E). About 20% of the figure's Pedestal remains (sawed-off a very long time ago).
Interestingly, the back of the figure's alien like bulbous head has a man made depression, just like on one of the Whale sculptures in the book (see photo).
This figure exhibits very dark golden-brown surface patina -- possibly achieved via considerable exposure to smoke, during sacred Whale shrine rituals. The ancient patina is very beautiful!!!
The wood is Red Cedar (examine the grain).
It's a very powerful figure!!!
Measurements: Length is almost 21 inches; width of bulbous head is 3 inches.