{"product_id":"hand-carved-bone-spirit-head-sculpture","title":"Hand-Carved Bone Spirit Head Sculpture | Circa Mid-20th Century","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"30\" data-start=\"0\" data-section-id=\"nbbkz8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"224\" data-start=\"32\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"43\" data-start=\"32\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Likely North America or Africa (artist-inspired tribal modernist carving)\u003cbr data-end=\"120\" data-start=\"117\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"133\" data-start=\"120\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-carved animal bone mounted on polished hardwood plaque\u003cbr data-end=\"196\" data-start=\"193\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"207\" data-start=\"196\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-20th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"240\" data-start=\"226\" data-section-id=\"rmw5tv\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"587\" data-start=\"242\"\u003eThis striking hand-carved bone sculpture depicts a highly stylized human or spirit face rendered in an elegant minimalist form. Expertly carved from a dense section of animal bone and mounted on a polished hardwood display plaque, the piece emphasizes clean geometric contours, simplified facial features, and a serene, contemplative expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"983\" data-start=\"589\"\u003eThe elongated triangular face, closed eyes, projecting nose, and rounded lips create a powerful modernist interpretation of traditional mask forms found across numerous indigenous and tribal artistic traditions. Rather than functioning as a wearable mask, this piece was conceived as a sculptural object intended for display, combining ethnographic inspiration with mid-century artistic design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1338\" data-start=\"985\"\u003eThe creamy ivory-toned surface displays natural variations and subtle age-related patina within the bone, while the rich hardwood base provides an attractive contrast that enhances the sculpture's presentation. The overall aesthetic reflects the enduring influence of traditional ceremonial masks on twentieth-century decorative arts and studio carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1517\" data-start=\"1506\" data-section-id=\"1d7mrtu\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-carved animal bone sculpture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Stylized spirit or mask-like facial form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Mounted on original polished hardwood plaque\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Elegant minimalist modernist design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Smooth, highly polished surface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Natural bone coloration and patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1839\" data-start=\"1813\" data-section-id=\"hlyorq\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2208\" data-start=\"1841\"\u003eThroughout the twentieth century, artists and craftsmen frequently drew inspiration from traditional ceremonial masks and indigenous sculptural traditions. Works such as this demonstrate how tribal and ethnographic aesthetics influenced modern decorative arts, resulting in unique sculptures that blend traditional symbolism with contemporary artistic interpretation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2367\" data-start=\"2210\"\u003eThe simplified facial features evoke themes of spirituality, introspection, and ancestral presence while maintaining a distinctly modern sculptural language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2381\" data-start=\"2369\" data-section-id=\"hrykuu\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2664\" data-start=\"2383\"\u003eVery good vintage condition overall. Minor age-related wear, natural inclusions, surface crazing, and small age cracks to the bone consistent with the material and age. The hardwood plaque remains stable and presents well. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2693\" data-start=\"2666\" data-section-id=\"ss9rkn\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2745\" data-start=\"2695\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2706\" data-start=\"2695\"\u003ePlaque\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLength: 3 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 3 in\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2721\" data-start=\"2718\"\u003eOverall Height: 1.75 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2745\" data-start=\"2695\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"801\" data-start=\"781\"\u003eAge\u003cstrong\u003e (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2745\" data-start=\"2695\"\u003e50–75 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2693\" data-start=\"2666\" data-section-id=\"ss9rkn\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2745\" data-start=\"2695\"\u003eFrom a private collection in Sarasota, Florida, USA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the history and artistic traditions of bone carving through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Bone Carving History and Traditions\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bone_carving\"\u003eBone Carving History and Traditions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Explore Statues, Figures, Carvings \u0026amp; Ancient Art at Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/statues-figures-carvings-ancient-art\"\u003eCollection of Statues, Figures, Carvings \u0026amp; Ancient Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54542116684098,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/mid-century-bone-spirit-face-sculpture-hardwood-plaque.png?v=1781442442","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/hand-carved-bone-spirit-head-sculpture","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}