Alaskan Ivory Carvings

& Baleen Basketry

The Alaskan walrus ivory carvings that we offer for sale are primarily animal and mammal figures crafted by three different native groups. They are the Yupik, Inupiaq, and the Cup’it.  Most of the Yupik artists live in the villages of Gambell and Savoonga which are on the St. Lawrence Island. The island is located off the Northwest coast of Alaska, 32 miles from the Siberian coast, in the Bering Sea. Some of the Yupik artists live in the Arctic region of mainland Alaska.

The Inupiaq live on mainland Alaska but originate from the King Islands in the Northern region of Alaska. In the past the Inupiaq have carved a number of elaborate walrus tusk cribbage boards. Members of the Peter Mayac family have not only created outstanding carvings but they also have produced unique fine scrimshaw work. Their birds carved from walrus ivory and with scrimshaw are sought by many collectors. The Inupiaq are the native group that weaves baleen baskets.

The Cup’it natives live on Nunivak Island which is located in the Bering Sea and is approximately 135 miles west of Bethel, Alaska. At the present time there are approximately 200 people living on Nunivak Island in one settlement, Mekoryuk. Reportedly, approximately 140 years ago, the island had a population of 700 residents. An epidemic in 1900 decimated the population. The Cup’it natives have crafted some of the most elaborate multi-figure walrus tusk carvings ever made in Alaska.

All three of the above native groups have created masks, including spirit wheel masks. They have supplemented their income by carving detailed figures from walrus tusks, weaving baskets, and creating masks. Some recent information on Alaskan native walrus ivory carvings can be found in the book Savoonga Ivory Carvers: A Yupik Walrus Ivory Carving Tradition on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska/ Bruce Bartholomew.

Explore exquisite Alaskan ivory carvings on our website. Discover unique pieces crafted by talented native artists.

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