A TWENTIETH CENTURY IVORY CHESS SET

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A TWENTIETH CENTURY IVORY CHESS SET
Composed of thirty-two ivory figures including four polar bears as kings, four igloos as castles, four Eskimos as queens, four walrus as bishops and sixteen seals as pawns, details on each piece are finely incised
Ranging in size from:1 to 2in. (3.2 to 5.7cm.) high

Lot Essay

This fine chess set is attributed to the artist Leo Kunnuk (1904-1975) from King Island, Alaska. Leo Kunnuk and his family were part of the early history of Eskimos on King Island. He is best known not for his work as a carver, but rather for his skill as a wolf dancer.

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