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Pair of 19th C Inuit Male Statues carved in Walrus Tusk

About the Item

This pair is a fine example of ivory carving done by Inuit natives; Native Americans who live within and just below the Arctic Circle. Each year they procured a substantial amount of ivory from their walrus kills. The raw ivory was usually thrown on top of their huts to weather and properly season. Proper seasoning caused the ivory to dry from the inside out and thus rarely cracks. Hand-made tools were improvised for carving the ivory and bow-string hand drills were also in use. Ivory carving has been practiced by the Inuit for over 2,000 years and traditionally only Inuit men were allowed to carve objects out of ivory, bone, and wood. Artists found their inspiration in daily life and the natural world around them. Ivory items made from walrus tusks were carved with a sharp stone or metal tool. Usually, a sculptor would be inspired to make a figure and just started carving, without making any sketches first. He might indicate the basic outline with a few guide marks. Often they based their work on older carving.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.08 in (20.5 cm)Width: 1.38 in (3.5 cm)Depth: 2.17 in (5.5 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    brussel, BE
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 20231stDibs: LU1509210585142
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