12th C. Alaskan Thule Fossilized Walrus Ivory Axe

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Yupik peoples, Thule period, ca. 12th to 17th century CE. A lengthy section of ivory from a walrus tusk that has been hand carved into an axe blade. The widest end, the root area, has a large notch cut into the surface for hafting onto a wooden handle. The naturally curved tusk tapers to a flaked cutting edge. The great age of the material is noteworthy - the interior has solidified and is no longer porous as the internal tooth pulp usually presents. It is possible the tusk has fossilized and may predate the creation of the axe by many years. Size: 15.5" L x 2.25" W (39.4 cm x 5.7 cm)

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.

Provenance: ex-Duane's Antiques, Anchorage, Alaska, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166712
Condition Report: Age and use expected wear. Scratches and surface abrasions. Dark brown and yellow patina throughout.