A THULE ESKIMO WALRUS IVORY FLOAT PLUG

Details
A THULE ESKIMO WALRUS IVORY FLOAT PLUG

Of oval form with minimal facial features, the eyes round drilled holes, flat nose, open circular mouth with drilled holes at sides, the periphery entirely grooved on outside, 4 5/8in. (11.7cm.) high

Lot Essay

Such ivory disks were used to plug holes in seal skin floats where the legs and head had been removed. They represent spirits to bring success in hunting. This is an unusually large and early example. See Fitzhugh and Kaplan (1982, p. 82, fig. 62) for three examples from the historical period..