Stellar Eider Carving, 2018
Charles M. Kokuluk, Inupiaq
King Island, Alaska
walrus ivory, scrimshaw design
1” high x 2 7/8” long x 7/8” wide
Inupiaq carver Charles Kokuluk was born on King Island, Alaska on November 15, 1940. His parents were John Sr. and Barbara Kokuluk. Three of his brothers, Robert, John, and Hubert are ivory carvers.
Charles recalled that in 1952 his family moved from King Island to Nome because his father wanted his family to have access to a physician. Charles moved from Nome to Anchorage in 1989.
Although Charles felt a closeness to King Island, his trips ‘home’ became less frequent and usually occurred during walrus hunting season. 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.
Charles was incredibly skilled at carving walrus ivory, fossilized whalebone, and soapstone. However, he was known primarily as an ivory carver, and concentrated his efforts on carving birds. He did several varieties of geese etched with black ink and is most recognized for his snow goose depicting their blue phase. In addition, he carved several varieties of ducks and loons.
Charles passed away on Nov. 12, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska.
