Title

14 Figures

DateDate Unknown

Mediumwalrus ivory

Dimensions[H] __[W] __[D] __[Diam] __[L]7/8" - 1 3/4" __[Remarks]The full size of the assemblage is about 4 3/4 x 3 1/2 in.

Object number00.200.221

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionFourteen miniature figures full-round carved out of walrus ivory (three with minor evidence of partial tundra fossilization), four with bow-drill bullseye decorations: one human bust; six full figures of seals; seven waterline figures of seals' heads.. They were strung together on telephone wire by a collector for safekeeping and were not originally a single unit, were not all intended for the same purpose, and were not intended to be strung together in this manner.

Four of these were likely carved as parka buttons (frogs), others may be gaming counters with single perforations for suspension or retention when not in use.

On View

Not on view