Dakota Carved Pipe and Bowl, with Bear Paw and Whirlwind Worms

fourth quarter 19th century

flattened stem deeply carved with two whirlwind worms and a central bear paw; T-shaped catlinite bowl with inlay

overall length 30-1/2 inches; length of bowl 6-1/4 inches x height 3-1/4 inches

cf. Plains Indian Sculpture (Ewers 1986: 111, fig 101)

The Dakota believe that there is a close relationship between the whirlwind and the fluttering wings of the moth. The cocoon is regarded as the bundle or mysterious object from which a power similar to that of the whirlwind emanates. I was told that the observed facts as to the emergence of the moth from this bundle were in themselves evidence of the sacred character of the moth because it could not be confined. It represents, from this point of view, the kind of power desired... to be intangible, invisible, and destructive like the wind.

[So the whirlwind worm] was regarded as a perpetual prayer to the power of the whirlwind...

By some individuals it is believed that the bear has the power of the whirlwind... This will change the symbolic acts of the warrior, as he will now paint his face with the symbol of the bear and then appear to the power of that animal that the confusing whirlwind may place his enemies at his mercy (Wissler 1905: 259; Ewers 1986: 111).

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

No obvious issues.

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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

Dakota Carved Pipe and Bowl, with Bear Paw and Whirlwind Worms

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