Ivory Walrus Carving of a Spotted Seal by Charles Edwards

Description:

• Artist: Charles Edwards
• Origin: Savoonga, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
• Material: Ivory with inlaid baleen spots
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4.6 inches
  • Width: 1.1 inches
  • Height: 1.5 inches
• Price: $450
• Availability: US sale only

Charles Edwards, a renowned Yupik artist from Savoonga, creates highly polished carvings of seals, polar bears, and other sea mammals. Notably, this particular piece, a spotted seal, features numerous inlaid baleen spots and bears his signature “INVET” on the bottom. Additionally, Edwards frequently carves detailed and complex figures, often mounting them on baleen or whale bone.

Cultural and Regional Context:

• Yupik People: The Yupik people primarily live in Gambell and Savoonga on the St. Lawrence Island, which is located 32 miles off the Siberian coast in the Bering Sea. The total population of these two villages is under 1500.
• Artistic Tradition: Artists from these villages are famous for their intricate ivory carvings. This art form is a significant part of their cultural heritage and provides a source of income.
• Walrus Utilization: Alaska Natives rely heavily on walruses for meat, blubber, skin, and organs as rich nutritional sources. They also process the hides to cover boats and use the tusks to create carvings like this one, which they sell to collectors.

Additional Information:

• Website for Purchase: For more information and to purchase, visit Tribal Crafts.
• Related Reading: For further reading, check out Savoonga Ivory Carvers on Amazon.