Lot n° 248
Estimation :
200 - 300
EUR
Result with fees
Result
: 260EUR
Game piece in the shape of a stylized bird. - Lot 248
Game piece in the shape of a stylized bird.
Old patina walrus tusk. (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) IUCN status: DD. CITES: Annex III.
Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 1.2 cm.
Alaska.
Thule culture.
1000-1900 A.D.
These sculptures of birds swimming on the surface of the water are elements of a dice game that was played throughout the Arctic. Bird figures found in archaeological sites show that the game spread to northern Alaska, Canada and Greenland around 1,000 years ago, carried by the migrations of Thule ancestors, and is still played today. In playing, some birds land upright when thrown to the ground, while others tip over onto their sides. In central Canada, where this ancient game is called tingmiujaq, players keep the birds that land upright, and the one who collects the most after several rounds is the winner. Sometimes, players can only collect birds whose heads are pointing in their direction.
Provenance :
Jacques and Anne Kerchache Collection, Paris.
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