Alaska, Inuit
19th century
Walrus ivory
Length 13 3/4" (34.9 cm)
Provenance: Paul and Mary Thiry, Seattle, WA
Publication: Thiry, Paul and Mary, Eskimo Artifacts Designed For Use, Superior Publishing, Seattle, 1977, p. 90
Bag handles of this type were attached to storage and carrying bags used in Inuit domestic life, the walrus ivory providing a durable grip while the engraved surface transformed a functional object into a record of the animals central to Inuit subsistence and spiritual life. Engraved imagery of seals and reindeer on objects of daily use reflects the Inuit practice of maintaining a visual and symbolic relationship with prey animals across all aspects of material culture. Handles published in the Thiry study represent documented examples of this tradition within a systematically collected body of Inuit functional objects.
This handle is engraved along its full length with a repeating procession of seals and reindeer, the figures rendered with the confident line and consistent spacing characteristic of practiced Inuit engravers of the 19th century. The tapered ends are pierced for attachment, and the ivory has developed a warm cream patina through age and handling. Published in Paul and Mary Thiry's Eskimo Artifacts Designed For Use (Superior Publishing, Seattle, 1977, p. 90), the piece carries both scholarly documentation and firm provenance within the Thiry collection.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Alaska, Inuit
19th century
Walrus ivory
Length 13 3/4" (34.9 cm)
Provenance: Paul and Mary Thiry, Seattle, WA
Publication: Thiry, Paul and Mary, Eskimo Artifacts Designed For Use, Superior Publishing, Seattle, 1977, p. 90
Bag handles of this type were attached to storage and carrying bags used in Inuit domestic life, the walrus ivory providing a durable grip while the engraved surface transformed a functional object into a record of the animals central to Inuit subsistence and spiritual life. Engraved imagery of seals and reindeer on objects of daily use reflects the Inuit practice of maintaining a visual and symbolic relationship with prey animals across all aspects of material culture. Handles published in the Thiry study represent documented examples of this tradition within a systematically collected body of Inuit functional objects.
This handle is engraved along its full length with a repeating procession of seals and reindeer, the figures rendered with the confident line and consistent spacing characteristic of practiced Inuit engravers of the 19th century. The tapered ends are pierced for attachment, and the ivory has developed a warm cream patina through age and handling. Published in Paul and Mary Thiry's Eskimo Artifacts Designed For Use (Superior Publishing, Seattle, 1977, p. 90), the piece carries both scholarly documentation and firm provenance within the Thiry collection.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
