Standing figure
Life Story
This figure has a grey-brown patina and is severely weathered about the face. It is finely engraved with a double necklace (with small triangular pendants) and double lines around the hips; a double chignon is visible at the back of the head. The massive solidity of the legs can be seen in the profile view. Despite an appearance of great antiquity, the squared groove between the legs seems to be the work of a metal saw blade, placing the figure later in the prehistoric period.
Steven Hooper, 1997
Entry taken from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, Vol. 2: Pacific, African and Native North American Art, edited by Steven Hooper (Yale University Press, 1997) p. 238.
Provenance
Purchased by the Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia from James Economos, New York in 1974 out of funds provided by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury.
On display
Title/Description: Standing figure
Object Type: Figure
Materials: Walrus ivory
Measurements: h. 127 x w 30 x d. 20 mm
Accession Number: 591a
Historic Period: 18th century or earlier
Production Place: Alaska, North America, The Americas
Credit Line: Purchased with support from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury, 1974
