Stone Pipe Carved by Awbonwaishkum
Artist
Paul Kane
(Canadian, 1810 - 1871)
Date1845
Mediumoil on paper
Dimensions7 1/2 x 12 1/4 inches (19 x 31.1 cm)
Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965
Object number31.78.184
ClassificationsPaintings
Label Text"The sketch is that of a pipe carved by Awbonwaishkum out of a dark-coloured stone, his only tools being and old knife and broken file. I leave it to antiquaries to explain how the bowl of this pipe happens to bear so striking a resemblance to the head of the Egyptian sphynx. I questioned Awbonwaishkum as to whether he knew of any tradition connected with the design, but the only explanantion he could offer was, that his forefathers had made similar pipes with the same shaped head for this bowl, and that he therefore supposed the model had always existed among the Indians." Kane, Wanderings, Chapter I
ProvenanceArtist; by descent to his grandson, Paul Kane III [1889-1958], Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; purchased September 17, 1957 through (Edward Eberstadt & Sons, New York, New York) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
On View
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