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Offered here is a large hand-carved red Catlinite/pipestone elbow-form pipe bowl bearing the hand-incised name “Little Feather,” accompanied by a long wooden pipe stem with hide/leather, beadwork and fringe decoration.The “Little Feather” signature is attributed to Jeff “Little Feather” Derby (1945–1987), a Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux/Dakota pipestone quarrier and master pipe carver associated with Pipestone, Minnesota. The National Park Service documents Derby as a lifelong Pipestone-area resident, master stone carver and highly regarded pipestone pipemaker.MEASUREMENTS:
• Catlinite bowl: approx. 5-3/8\" long
• Bowl height: approx. 4\"
• Wooden stem: approx. 23-24\" long
• Please see measurement photographs for additional scale.DESCRIPTION:
The bowl is carved from reddish Catlinite/pipestone in a substantial traditional elbow/L form. One side bears a lightly hand-incised “Little Feather” signature/name. The accompanying long wooden stem has a light-colored mouthpiece/end section and central hide/leather decoration with blue and yellow beadwork and dark leather fringe.CONDITION:
Vintage pre-owned condition with scratches, rubbing, discoloration, abrasions and general surface wear consistent with age, handling and storage. Wear is visible around portions of the pipe bowl and rim. The wooden stem and decorations likewise show age and use/storage wear. Please examine ALL photographs carefully; they are an important part of the condition description.ATTRIBUTION / AGE:
Attributed to Jeff “Little Feather” Derby (1945-1987), Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux/Dakota, Pipestone, Minnesota. Approximate period: circa 1960s-1980s.IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTION DISCLAIMER:
The pipe is being sold based upon the visible “Little Feather” inscription and its apparent characteristics. Although Jeff “Little Feather” Derby is a documented Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux master pipestone carver, the seller has not obtained a written expert authentication establishing that this specific pipe was carved or signed by Derby. Therefore the maker attribution and date are offered as an informed attribution and NOT as a guarantee of authorship. Buyer should review the photographs and make their own determination.This item is offered as a vintage collectible/art object. Seller makes no representation that it was used ceremonially or that it is a sacred, funerary, archaeological, excavated or grave-associated object. No provenance indicating such use or origin accompanies the item.The bowl and stem are being sold together exactly as photographed. No claim is made that the decorative stem was personally made or decorated by Little Feather.SHIPPING:
Ships within the United States only. Carefully packed with the Catlinite bowl and wooden stem protected separately inside the shipping carton. Shipping by USPS Ground Advantage or UPS Ground, depending on destination, with tracking and insurance. 2-business-day handling.
All sales final. No returns.
Please review all photographs and ask any questions before purchase. You will receive the exact pipe bowl, stem and decorations shown in the photographs.
Shipping is included with purchase.
Please visit our other listings for numerous Southwest pottery, antique trade beads, Native American Baskets and other antiques.
