Tlingit Chilkat Shaman's Dance Apron (Blanket Waist Robe)

Description:

Tlingit Chilkat Shaman's Dance Apron (Blanket Waist Robe), c. third quarter 19th century, tightly woven of cedar bark and mountain goat wool mounted on a hide foundation, most of the long fringe terminating with a brass thimble (some wool loss),wd. 42, lg. 25 in.

Provenance: Collected by the present owner's great-grandfather, Admiral Robert E. Coontz. Coontz was stationed at Sitka, Alaska, in the 1880s as a young U.S Naval officer. He married Augusta Cohen, the daughter of Abraham Cohen, considered the first American to settle in Alaska before the territory was acquired from Russia in 1867. Coontz went on to have a distinguished career in the Navy; two ships were named after him, the latest in 1961. The photograph, "Sitka Indians before a 'Pot Latch'" is reproduced in From the Mississippi to the Sea, the autobiography of Admiral Robert E. Coontz (1930). It is believed that the cape was given to Coontz during the Pot Latch in 1885.
Estimate $12,000-16,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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