Hunter in Kayak, c. 1900|
Yup'ik Culture
fossilized walrus ivory, scrimshaw design
2.25” high x 7.5” long x 1” deep
Antique Yup'ik and Inupiaq ivory carvings have a 2,000-year history, evolving from purely functional tools (harpoons, goggles) in ancient cultures to trade sculptures for whalers and tourists in the 1800's. Trade sculptures consisted of figurines, hunting scenes, animals, birds, and ships ships.
This carving is a fantastic example of a trade sculpture depicting a hunter in his kayak. Model kayaks often featured small runners attached to the bottom so they were easily displayed. The figure of the hunter is not attached and can be removed from the kayak.
