This is a gorgeous small box made by Austin (Ike) Wilson, attributed with certainty. The stamp work is fabulous and it includes tobacco leaf stamps which I have owned on pieces signed by him with his bow and arrow hallmark. This is a particularly beautiful small box and it is a great match to a larger box of his I’m offering separately. This piece also has a small lovely piece of excellent turquoise set in the center. This box has some stains, mostly on the outside back, a few on the inside and possibly a very teeny one on the top corner. These may be acid stains — they don’t shine off. To me not so important but I’ve lowered the price accordingly, so it’s a great opportunity to get a piece by this famous artist at a low price for his work. Other than this issue there are no problems and it’ in great shape. The box clicks closed with a satisfying sound and there are no dings or dents. It measures 1-13/16″ x 1-5/16″ and has a height of 3/8. The box has a tobacco theme, so might be nice for some bits of smoke. Ike Wilson, Navajo, is being attributed more recently with Austin Wilson’s work. A great artist of CG Wallace fame. Wilson was particularly interested in tobacco, which was and still is used in Navajo ceremonials for both healing and purification. The burning of tobacco is part of the most sacred Navajo ceremonials. So his making boxes like these and putting the tobacco blossoms in a central place is very meaningful. It doesnt mean what it means to the current, non Native American culture at all, but has a sacred and central meaning. This piece is unsigned and not marked for silver content which is usual for that period of time but it’s Ike (previously called Austin) Wilson’s work, guaranteed, and it’s sterling silver at. He lived from 1901 to 1942 and began to win prizes in inter tribal Gallup by the 1930s. He was also featured as a very successful silversmith in Adair’s book The Navajo and Pueblo Silvermiths. He was referred to as Ike Wilson but there was confusion in great part due to Barton Wright’s books which referred to his hallmark as Austin Wilson’s. This mistake was perpetuated by all the books; sloppy research to copy from previous authors without double checking. Now, one of the authors has updated and corrected. To underscore the point the artist who was known as Austin Wilson and used the extended bow and arrow hallmark, was a great artist and uses used the same tobacco plant stamp centrally in this box, another I’m offering separately, and which he used on several of his signed pieces. His actual name was Ike Wilson, not Austin Wilson. Be sure to add me to your favorites list. Take a look at my store. Yes, I sometimes can take reasonable offers. It’s less expensive and is also tracked. First Class International is no longer offered by the US Postal Service. Please let me know if you would like to return something. I care that you’re happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism. Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you’re starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes. The item “Navajo Ike (Austin) Wilson CG Wallace Hand Constructed & Stamped Box Turquoise” is in sale since Wednesday, February 07, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Native American\ US\1935-Now\Other Nat. Am. Items 1935-Now”. The seller is “aaplover” and is located in New York, New York. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Artisan: Ike (Austin) Wilson, unsigned, firm attribution
- Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
- Box Dimensions: 1-13/16″ x 1-5/16″ x 3/8″ High
- Box Weight: 22.4grams
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States