Umbrella handle

Mediumwalrus ivory

Dimensions1 1/2 × 7 3/4 in. (3.8 × 19.7 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2001.100.2305

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionWalrus ivory carved in high relief with the image of an arctic fox in pursuit of a seal, with a relief-carved billiken face (the artist's signature motif) on the bottom of the shaft. Drilled for wrist strap and chamfered for grommets (absent) and (brass) strip band (also absent; verdigris present).
The native genre of relief-carved handles for umbrellas and parasols (as presented in works by Happy Jack, Billy Komonaseok, and others) is descended from the traditional dancing drum handle form, a Yup'ik ceremonial drum with walrus ivory handle; ), a walrus ivory cribbage board by Billy Komoneseok; and a relief-carved walrus ivory umbrella handle by Happy Jack.

Condition: Broken entirely through, with an old repair (such when acquired).

Ref: S.M. Frank "Recent Acquisitions," KWM Newsletter, 18:3 (Summer-Fall 2000), p. 11; S.M. Frank, Dict. Scrim. Artists, 1991, p. 79; More Scrim. Artists, 1998, p. 70; Dorothy Jean Ray, Art: Tradition and Innovation in North Alaska, 1977; "Happy Jack: King of the Ivory Carvers," American Indian Art, 10:1 (Winter 1984), pp. 22-37 and 77; "Happy Jack and His Artistry," American Indian Art, 15:1 (Winter 1989), pp. 40-53.ProvenanceAntiques Row, Tacoma, Washington, 08/25/2000, $100.00

On View

Not on view