Preliminary identification

Oreland Joe Sr. Hand-Carved Alabaster Sculpture

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A masterful hand-carved alabaster sculpture depicting a stylized Native American woman, characterized by elongated lines and a serene, spiritual expression.

Story

Oreland Joe Sr. began his artistic journey in the Four Corners region, drawing from his Navajo and Ute roots to create a new language in stone.

Maker / Origin

Oreland Joe Sr. is a monumental figure in Western art, famously becoming the first Native American artist admitted into the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) in 1993.

Condition & Value

The sculpture appears to be in excellent condition with no visible fractures or major chips. Alabaster is a soft, porous stone that is highly susceptible to oils from skin and environmental staining, so the clean, vibrant color suggests it has been well-preserved.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD