Art Piece Appraisal

Alaskan Art Ivory Totem Pole Hair Piece

This item is an Alaskan art ivory totem pole hair piece, designed to be worn in the hair as an ornament or functional pin. It appears to be carved from a material that resembles aged ivory, possessing a warm, creamy, off-white to yellowish hue, indicating either natural patina of an organic material like ivory or bone, or a synthetic material mimicking these. The overall length is suggested by its fit in an average adult hand, likely around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). The design features a two-pronged fork at one end, which would secure the piece in hair. The handle portion is cylindrical and intricately carved and painted to depict a miniature totemic design. Visible painted details include traditional Native Alaskan or Pacific Northwest Coast art motifs such as stylized faces, animal figures, and geometric patterns in colors of muted reds, greens, browns, and blacks. The painting is detailed and appears to be hand-applied. Each section of the 'totem pole' is distinct, suggesting different mythological figures. The craftsmanship quality appears to be very good, with clean lines in the carving and precise application of pigment, indicative of an artisan's work. There might be some wear to the painted surface due to handling and age, possibly showing minor chipping or fading in areas, but the overall condition seems to be good with no obvious major damage like cracks or chips in the main structure. There are no readily visible maker's marks or signatures from the image, but such details might be present on other sides or less conspicuous areas. Given the context of "Alaskan art ivory totem pole hair piece," it likely dates from the mid-20th century or later, when such tourist art became popular, possibly earlier if it's a true antique. The material's fine grain and slight sheen are consistent with polished ivory or a high-quality resin composite. The specific 'totem pole' carving style can help identify its regional origin within Alaska or the Pacific Northwest.