St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Early 19th century
Walrus ivory and trade beads
Height: 2⅝ in (6.7 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium
This standing male figure is carved from walrus ivory with arms held close to the body and hands meeting at the front, the posture compact and frontal in a manner consistent with St. Lawrence Island Yup'ik figural traditions. The face is modeled with defined features and set with red trade bead eyes, a detail that reflects the incorporation of European trade materials into indigenous carving practice during the early contact period. St. Lawrence Island figures of this type are among the most formally accomplished small-scale carvings produced in the Bering Sea region.
The surface carries a deep, well-worn patina across the entire form, consistent with sustained handling over a long period of use. The dark coloration and surface depth give the figure a strong physical presence well beyond its small scale.
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally, or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Early 19th century
Walrus ivory and trade beads
Height: 2⅝ in (6.7 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium
This standing male figure is carved from walrus ivory with arms held close to the body and hands meeting at the front, the posture compact and frontal in a manner consistent with St. Lawrence Island Yup'ik figural traditions. The face is modeled with defined features and set with red trade bead eyes, a detail that reflects the incorporation of European trade materials into indigenous carving practice during the early contact period. St. Lawrence Island figures of this type are among the most formally accomplished small-scale carvings produced in the Bering Sea region.
The surface carries a deep, well-worn patina across the entire form, consistent with sustained handling over a long period of use. The dark coloration and surface depth give the figure a strong physical presence well beyond its small scale.
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally, or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
