Twelve Eskimo Amuletic Hunting Toggles / Pendants

Twelve Eskimo Amuletic Hunting Toggles / Pendants.

Creamy smooth patina.

Walrus ivory.

Inuit / Bering Sea.

18th Century or earlier.

PROVENANCE: 

Ex Summerfield collection (Mr Summerfield was a book dealer / collector in Cheltenham, England. When he passed away the shop and home above, housing the contents of the collection were so numerous, an enormous quantity of boxes, items stacked one upon another, the sorting and dispersal took many weeks, with auctions divided between Christies (at the local race course) and Bruton Knowles Auction Rooms, auctions took place over a number of weeks. Rumour circulated that the front door had to be physically removed due to so many items falling down behind the door impeding entry ! 

Sold Bruton Knowles Auction Rooms, circa autumn 1989.

Ex Private collection.

Ivory amulets were made by shamans and individual hunters for supernatural aid and protection. They were passed down through families as treasured heirlooms and were used to influence a tutelary or helping spirit. These small sculptures were so important to the beliefs of the community that nothing could be accomplished without their help.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance