Description:

An exceptional 1970s Native American Southwest bison sculpture of commanding presence, hand carved from richly polished dark charcoal-black soapstone and mounted on a custom-shaped gray stone plinth. This finely balanced work is a testament to the strength and minimal elegance found in traditional Indigenous carving traditions fused with modernist sculptural sensibilities. The carver remains unknown, but the work originates from the American Southwest and is accompanied by its original certification tag noting Native Indian - USA S.W. - 70s - Soap Stone Bison.

The sculpture measures an impressive 21 inches in length x 5 1/2 inches in depth x 15 3/4 inches in height. It is defined by its bold, simplified contour - a muscular form with a high shoulder hump, strong stance, and lowered head that powerfully captures the quiet strength of the bison. A key design feature is the diagonally wrapped textured band that sweeps from the muzzle beneath the chin across the flank and up to the hindquarter. This lighter gray chisel-textured strip provides dramatic contrast to the deep, polished surfaces of the body, emphasizing both the craftsmanship and the sculpture’s dynamic lines. The stylized head features a squared horn and a simplified snout, carved in subtle relief with clean transitions and minimal tool marks.

The work stands securely on its original stone base and displays beautifully from all angles, its smooth surfaces catching light elegantly. Condition is excellent for its age, with light surface bloom and expected handling marks visible under raking light, but no cracks or structural losses observed.

This piece is highly desirable for collectors of Native American and Inuit stone carvings, modernist sculpture, and mid-century Indigenous art. Its size, sculptural mass, and contrasting surface treatments make it a statement work suitable for both museum and high-end private collections.
72269

  • Medium: Sculptures Inuit

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November 16, 2025 11:00 AM EST
Stouffville, ON, CA

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $99,999 $1,000
$100,000 $999,999 $5,000
$1,000,000 + $10,000