Ted Mayac Sr. was an outstanding Inupiaq carver known for his working in ivory (walrus tusk, whale tooth) and scrimshaw depicting Alaskan wildlife, sea mammals, birds, and whaling scenes. Additionally, Ted was know for his very fine detail carvings of sea mammals and birds.

This 31″ long cribbage board with multiple wildlife scenes is a magnificent work of art. The cribbage board is priced for sale at $5400.

The Inupiaq people originated from the King Islands but now live on mainland Alaska. Due to a tuberculosis outbreak during World War II, the closing of the school, and other factors, off-island economies lured families from King Island. Consequently, most families relocated in the 1970s. To read more about Inupiaq relocation, you can visit this link. Many Inupiaq now reside near Nome, Alaska, where they continue to make baleen baskets.

Finally, whales and walruses are essential nutritional and cultural marine resources for Alaska Natives. They use the meat, blubber, skin, and organs as a healthy and rich food source. Additionally, they process the hides to cover boats and use the tusks to create ivory walrus carvings, which they sell to collectors to provide income.