Haida Argillite Figure, ca. 1860
Appraised Value:
$5,000 - $10,000 (2011)
IMAGE: 1 of 2
Update 9.24.2012:
After this segment aired a viewer wrote in to point out that the archipelago appraiser John Buxton referred to as the Queen Charlotte Islands, located off the northern coast of British Columbia, are now officially referred to as Haida Gwaii, meaning "Islands of the People."
Appraisal Video: (0:35)
Appraised By:
John Buxton
Tribal Arts
Antiques Appraiser and Consultant
Appraisal Transcript:
APPRIASER: You said your family, they were Indian agents on Clamouth?
GUEST: This was a friend of the family.
APPRAISER: Okay.
GUEST: Whose grandfather was an Indian agent.
APPRAISER: And so you thought it might come from down in that region?
GUEST: That's what she said.
APPRAISER: Okay, this is actually from the Queen Charlotte Islands.
GUEST: Oh, really?
APPRAISER: Which is British Columbia, and it was carved by the Haida. Figures are rare in this. This object has some condition issues. I think in a gallery, in its present condition, this is $5,000 to $10,000.
GUEST: Oh my, okay.
APPRAISER: If it were mint, this is a $50,000 piece.
GUEST: Oh, and it fell off the fireplace mantel.
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