Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an authentic handcrafted Alaska Native keychain featuring natural spotted sealskin hide with glass seed bead edging and an intricate beaded rosette on one face. It retains its original 'Silver Hand' tag (Authentic Native Handicraft from Alaska), certifying it was genuinely handmade by an Alaskan Native craftsperson.
Story
Created under Alaska's famous 'Silver Hand' program established in 1975, this piece guarantees authentic Indigenous authorship. Artisans adapted ancient subsistence materials like sealskin to create functional, portable art for travelers.
Maker / Origin
While the individual artist isn't named on the visible tag face, the 'Silver Hand' seal guarantees it was made by an Alaskan Native artisan (such as Yup'ik, Inupiaq, or Athabascan). The State of Alaska created this certification mark in 1975 to protect Native craftspeople from counterfeit, mass-produced imports.
Condition & Value
Very good vintage condition with intact hair, complete beadwork, and the original swing tag still attached. Retaining the tag preserves its full commercial provenance.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.