King Island (Ugiuvak), Alaska, Inuit
19th century
Walrus ivory, baleen
Length 2 1/4" (5.7 cm); width 3/4" (1.9 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Maine
Seal amulets were carried by Inuit hunters to establish a relationship of respect and reciprocity with the animal being hunted, the carved form understood to attract the seal's spirit and ensure a willing offering of itself to the hunter. King Island carvers were among the most accomplished producers of small ivory animal figures in the Arctic, their work distinguished by precision of form and attention to surface detail at a miniature scale. Amulets of this type complete with original baleen inlay represent an uncommon survival, as the inlay material is fragile and frequently lost over time.
This amulet is carved in the naturalistic form of a seal, the body decorated with a series of concentric circle motifs inlaid with baleen, a patterning consistent with King Island ivory carving of the 19th century. The baleen inlay remains complete throughout, the dark material creating a strong visual contrast against the warm ivory surface. Provenance traces to a private collection in Maine.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
King Island (Ugiuvak), Alaska, Inuit
19th century
Walrus ivory, baleen
Length 2 1/4" (5.7 cm); width 3/4" (1.9 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Maine
Seal amulets were carried by Inuit hunters to establish a relationship of respect and reciprocity with the animal being hunted, the carved form understood to attract the seal's spirit and ensure a willing offering of itself to the hunter. King Island carvers were among the most accomplished producers of small ivory animal figures in the Arctic, their work distinguished by precision of form and attention to surface detail at a miniature scale. Amulets of this type complete with original baleen inlay represent an uncommon survival, as the inlay material is fragile and frequently lost over time.
This amulet is carved in the naturalistic form of a seal, the body decorated with a series of concentric circle motifs inlaid with baleen, a patterning consistent with King Island ivory carving of the 19th century. The baleen inlay remains complete throughout, the dark material creating a strong visual contrast against the warm ivory surface. Provenance traces to a private collection in Maine.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
