The lot features a wonderful authentic Mississippian Culture Period pottery bird effigy large pipe from the Moundville Archaeological site. Provenance: From the renowned Sundog Fine Art Bozeman, Montana collection and collected by Bruce VanLandingham. Bruce VanLandingham was a pillar in the American Indian collecting community and a respected expert. Along with being an avid collector Bruce also was the sole owner of Sundog Fine Art Gallery in Bozeman which was both part museum and gallery. The piece shows a hand carved and formed large bird effigy design with the front having the birds neck and head, the bowl being the body between the wings and the smoking tip being the culmination of the wings and tail feathers. The piece dates to circa 600-1500 A.D. The pipe is marked on the bottom “06.22” which is the museum identification number and is etched, “ANNA MITCHELL” which is the individual who recovered the piece. The pipe shows a rich dark patina with some slight breaks (along the beak and at the smoking tip), but otherwise is a wonderful piece. Measures overall 8”L x 2.25”H x 2”W. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.