Nunivak Island Walrus Tusk Carving

Description:

• Material: Walrus tusk
• Dimensions: 24″ long, 1.8″ wide, 3″ high
• Carving Details:
  • Figures: The carving features 26 figures, including:
    • 11 walrus
    • 6 seals
    • 6 red foxes
    • 1 beluga
    • 1 eagle
    • 1 halibut
  • Inlaid Baleen Eyes: Many of the figures have these distinctive eyes.
  • Ink Colors: Additionally, the artist applied red and black ink to some figures, enhancing their detail.
• Date: This piece likely dates back to around 1925.
• Status: The carving has been sold.
• Artist: The artist remains unknown.

Cultural Context:

• People: The Cup’it native people of Nunivak Island are renowned for their artistic traditions.
• Art Tradition: Specifically, the Cup’it are famous for their detailed carvings, particularly those made from walrus tusks.
• Location:
  • Island: Nunivak Island, located in the Bering Sea
  • Proximity: The island is situated approximately 135 miles west of Bethel, Alaska.
  • Population: Today, about 200 residents live in the single settlement of Mekoryuk.
  • History: Interestingly, the 1880 U.S. Census reported a population of 400 on Nunivak Island.
• Subsistence: The Cup’it people primarily hunt wild mammals such as white and red foxes, seals, and walrus. They traditionally hunted seals with spears in the spring from kayaks on the open sea and among ice floes. In the autumn, they used cooperative netting tactics.

For further information, you can explore the following resources:

• Nunivak Island Information
• Alaskan Ivory Carvings