Lot Essay
The curve at the neck of the larger walrus suggests that this is a finger rest and was perhaps attached to a hunting implement. The sensitive carving and engraving indicate an early Punuk date.
Details
A PUNUK ESKIMO WALRUS IVORY ORNAMENT
St. Lawrence Island, c. 600-800 A.D.
Depicting two reclining walrus figures, with larger in front the smaller behind and on the back of the larger, both with broad heads and rudimentary tusks, the bodies engraved with parallel and radiating lines and dots, on a flat base pierced at both ends for attachment, dark yellow color, 4in. (10.2cm.) long
St. Lawrence Island, c. 600-800 A.D.
Depicting two reclining walrus figures, with larger in front the smaller behind and on the back of the larger, both with broad heads and rudimentary tusks, the bodies engraved with parallel and radiating lines and dots, on a flat base pierced at both ends for attachment, dark yellow color, 4in. (10.2cm.) long