King Island, Alaska
Circa 1900
Walrus ivory
Length 8¼ inches (21 cm)
Provenance: Paul and Mary Thiry, Seattle, Washington
This harpoon point carved from walrus ivory comes from King Island, a community in the Bering Strait known for sustained and skilled production in ivory across the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The form follows the elongated tapering profile of harpoon points made for marine mammal hunting, and the ivory carries a smooth patina consistent with age. Paul and Mary Thiry were prominent Seattle collectors with broad interests in Pacific and Northwest Coast material.
The length of 8¼ inches places this point at the larger end of the range for harpoon points of this period, indicating use with heavier tackle intended for larger prey. King Island Inuit were renowned hunters of walrus and bowhead whale, and their material culture reflects the demands of that environment. Collecting provenance of this specificity, tracing to a known Seattle collection, adds a documented chain of custody to the piece.
This is an ESA antique exempt ivory object. It cannot be sold internationally or to buyers residing in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. The piece is guaranteed to have been made prior to 1972.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
King Island, Alaska
Circa 1900
Walrus ivory
Length 8¼ inches (21 cm)
Provenance: Paul and Mary Thiry, Seattle, Washington
This harpoon point carved from walrus ivory comes from King Island, a community in the Bering Strait known for sustained and skilled production in ivory across the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The form follows the elongated tapering profile of harpoon points made for marine mammal hunting, and the ivory carries a smooth patina consistent with age. Paul and Mary Thiry were prominent Seattle collectors with broad interests in Pacific and Northwest Coast material.
The length of 8¼ inches places this point at the larger end of the range for harpoon points of this period, indicating use with heavier tackle intended for larger prey. King Island Inuit were renowned hunters of walrus and bowhead whale, and their material culture reflects the demands of that environment. Collecting provenance of this specificity, tracing to a known Seattle collection, adds a documented chain of custody to the piece.
This is an ESA antique exempt ivory object. It cannot be sold internationally or to buyers residing in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. The piece is guaranteed to have been made prior to 1972.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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