Northeastern Ash Burl Bowl, with Carved Crests

late 18th - early 19th century

oval form, with thin walls rising to scalloped crests; inked with collection number on base

length 14-1/2 inches x width 11-1/2 inches x height 5-3/4 inches

The carved crests on this bowl may represent a Manitou spirit, in this case a deer or similar creature. Here the ears and top of the head are minimized and almost appear as a decorative device. A subtle and sophisticated detail of this carving is that at the effigy, the walls are a bit swollen and thicker than the wall around and below it. This gives body to the spirit and aids in using the castellations as handles (Powers 2005: 116).

PUBLISHED:
Powers, Steven S. North American Burl Treen: Colonial & Native American. (2005: pg. 116, plate 6/13 a/b)

Ex Trotta-Bono Collection, NY; Ex Mac Grimmer, NM; Ex Peter Brams Collection, NY

Deep rich patina, softly worn high points, no restoration

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Danica Farnand

Vice President, Head of Department, Native American Art

[email protected]513.666.4935

Ms. Farnand has helmed the Native American Art department since its inception at Cowan's Auctions in 2003, developing it into one of the most respected and successful departments in the category. Throughout her career, Ms. Farnand has sold over $50 million in Native Art, and has created focused and curated auctions for 19th and 20th century Native works, Jewelry, and Modern and Contemporary Native and Indigenous Arts. A distinguished expert in her field, Ms. Farnand is a respected voice in the ongoing dialogue between Native American tribal groups and the collecting community regarding culturally significant objects, serving as a board member of the Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association (ATADA) since 2019, and spearheading the effort to return a sacred Ahayu:da wooden figure to its rightful home in the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico in 2020. She has also been an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow since 2016. Ms. Farnand holds an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Cincinnati and a B.A. in Art History from John Carroll University.

Native American Art, Session I

Northeastern Ash Burl Bowl, with Carved Crests

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