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Rare Color Lithographs of Alaskan Native American Artifacts

A rare early work on Aleut culture illustrated with 7 exceptional colored lithographs of masks, tools, and other artifacts described by the French linguist and collector, Alphonse Louis Pinart. The fine lithographs are by H. Formant of Paris. There is also a map of Port Delareff on Unga Island in the text.

Pinart's exploration of La Caverne d'Aknanh on Unga Island in the Shumagin Archipelago, Alaska, stands as a significant episode in his study of Native American cultures and Siberian connections. During his 1871–72 Alaskan expedition, Pinart investigated this natural cave, uncovering burial sites and artifacts associated with the Aleut people, including tools, carvings, and remains that provided insights into their cultural and spiritual practices. These findings supported his broader linguistic and ethnographic research, which sought to trace the migration and cultural exchanges between Siberian and Native Alaskan populations. Pinart documented the burial customs and material culture he encountered, linking them to the shared traits he hypothesized between Old and New World peoples. His work in Alaska, particularly in sites like La Caverne d'Aknanh, enriched the understanding of Aleut heritage and underscored the importance of preserving indigenous histories amidst the pressures of colonial expansion.

Pinart also wrote the following works, most relating to ethnography of Alaska and the Northwest Coast of America:

• Bibliotheque de Linguistique et d'Ethnographie Americaines (Paris, 1876)
• Catalogue des collections rapportées de l'Amérique russe (aujourd'hui territoire d'Aliaska) (Paris, 1872)
• Eskimaux et Koloches (Paris, 1873)
• La Chasse aux Animaux Marins et les Pecheries chez les Indigénes de la cote, nord-ouest d'Amérique (Boulogne-sur-mer, 1875)
• Voyages a la cote Nord-Ouest de l'Amérique (Paris, 1875)

The lithographs in the present work are vibrant visual documents that combine ethnographic precision with artistic craftsmanship which capture the cultural significance and aesthetic qualities of Aleut artifacts. They open a window on the Aleut worldview, showcasing the intersection of utility, spirituality, and artistry. Their inclusion in Pinart’s groundbreaking work underscores their importance in documenting indigenous traditions and bridging cultural understanding during a time of expanding colonial influence.

Rarity

Very rare in the market. The last appearance in RBH was the Soliday example in 1945. Not in Sabin.