Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. 19th century CE. This is a gorgeous piece of walrus ivory that has been scrimshaw carved with a hunting scene. The narrow panel is a fragment of a larger tusk, the tips and edges are cut and horizontal drilled holes are pierced along the length in three areas. The scene contains two registers, the upper with simplistic figures in a boat, a dog, and triumphant hunter with a spear over his head as he stands by his hunted walrus. Below, minimalist figures drag large walruses or seals across the ice; a timeless scene with easily recognizable forms and gestures. Size: 7.75" L x 0.75" W (19.7 cm x 1.9 cm)
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 is over 100 years old.
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006; purchased in Seward, Alaska, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167839
Condition
Fragment of a larger walrus tusk. Stable fissures and chips on verso, but do not affect scrimshaw and are not visible on frontside. Scene face is highly polished and lustrous. Intact and excellent.