Vintage Duck Carving, c. 1960
by John Kokuluk Sr., Iñupiaq
fossil ivory, scrimshaw design
1 1/8” h x 1 5/8” long x 3/4” wide
Iñupiaq ivory carver John Kokuluk Sr. is originally from King Island, Alaska. Married to Barbara they had four sons, John Jr., Robert, John, and Hubert. John Sr. lived a traditional life on the island including hunting, fishing, singing and dancing. He had a deep connection to the Island, especially to the animals and birds which informed his carving.
John moved his family in 1952 from King Island to Nome because he wanted his family to have access to a physician. Due to erosion of the land, King Island is now uninhabited year-round, but former residents and their descendants often make the journey to visit this special place.
John Sr. was incredibly skilled at carving walrus and fossil ivory. He concentrated his efforts on carving birds. He did several varieties of geese etched with black ink. In addition, he carved several varieties of ducks, puffins and loons. He passed on the skills of ivory carving and scrimshaw design to his four sons who all went on to be notable ivory, soapstone, and whalebone carvers.
