46: AN INUPIAT BALEEN BASKET WITH CARVING

A lidded basket of coiled baleen with a walrus ivory base and figural knob depicting a polar bear with seal. Initials 'H.K.' on the inside knob and marked '954' inside the base. Inupiat men were the basket weavers in this culture and they nearly always signed and dated their work, this signed and dated September 1954.Purchased from Nadler Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. on 3-26-77. Nadler Gallery stated that they acquired it from a U.S. Indian agent in Alaska. Molly Lee of the Alaska State Museum in Fairbanks, author of 'Baleen Baskets of the Eskimo' identified the weaver as Hubert Koonuk, an Inupiaq who lived in Pt. Hope.
Very good intact condition free from damage or repair.
$300 - $500