Eskimo Ivory Walrus Letter Opener

20th Century

7.1875" L x .75" W

Hand Carved from Walrus Tusk with a Painted Totem and Frog Design

In Very Good Condition

An Ivory Walrus Letter Opener is a decorative letter opener hand-carved from walrus ivory (from walrus tusks), often featuring intricate Inuit or Alaskan Native artistry. These pieces are traditional handicrafts from indigenous Arctic communities, especially in Alaska (like Nunivak Island, Savoonga, or Anchorage areas), where walrus ivory has long been used for tools, art, and functional items.

These were often hand-carved by Inuit artisans, sometimes with scrimshaw (engraved designs), animal motifs (e.g., seals, fish, whales), or simple blade/handle shapes. Frogs are less common in traditional Inuit/Yupik art (which favors sea mammals like seals/walruses, bears, or birds) but appear in some Northwest Coast or blended styles, symbolizing transformation, fertility, or water in some indigenous beliefs.