Inuit Old Walrus Ivory Figure

ca. 1940

.75" H x 2" L x .375" W

Hand Carved Polar Bear from Walrus Ivory 

Ex. Shifton Estate - Alaska - Collected in the 1940s

Excellent Condition

Inuit carvings, often referred to as Eskimo art in older contexts, represent a rich tradition of sculpture deeply rooted in the Arctic environment and cultural practices. "Old" typically denotes pre-1970s works, especially those from the late 19th to mid-20th century, when commercial carving emerged as a trade with European and American whalers. These pieces were initially utilitarian—tools, amulets, and hunting aids—but evolved into expressive figures depicting daily life, animals, and spiritual elements. Walrus ivory, prized for its creamy texture and durability, was a primary material, sourced from tusks harvested through subsistence hunting. Under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), only pre-Act ivory (acquired before 1972) or authentic Alaskan Native handicrafts can be legally traded, often requiring export permits.