Lot 133
133
AN OLD BERING SEA IVORY TOGGLE

Details
AN OLD BERING SEA IVORY TOGGLE
FROM ST. LAWRENCE ISLANDS, CIRCA A.D. 300-500

Of convex sculptural form, hollowed out on bottom with two holes for attachment of lines at front, large opening at back for another attachment, the top decorated with two triangular stylized animal heads, one devouring the other, engraved with radiating and curvilinear designs.
4 1/2in. (10.2cm.) high

Lot Essay

Several examples of these toggles are known (see Wardwell, 1986, p. 73, nos. 76, 77, and Grand Palais, 1984, p. 347, no. 234). Those noted are in the form of a sculpin like monster and this is the only one presently known which shows the image of one animal devouring another.