Whalebone Dancer on Base
by Ricky Kuzuguk, Inupiaq
whalebone, hand carved wood base
11" high x 11" wide x 4.5" deep
Ricky Kuzuguk is an Iñupiaq whalebone carver born in the village of Shismaref, Alaska on July 23, 1967. Ricky, the son of the son of Frank Kuzuguk was born in Kotzebue and raised in Nome and Shishmaref. His father, Frank Kuzuquk was a carver as are his two brothers, Wilbur and Frank Junior.
Ricky who was taught by John Sinnok began carving ivory pendants in high school. He now lives in Shishmaref and specializes in carving small vertebrae and whale rib into dancers and hunters. The expressive faces are often carved of mammoth ivory. Ricky is a meticulous carver, paying much attention to detail and style.
