Monumental Iñupiaq Walrus Tusk Cribbage Board with Applied Carvings & Bering Sea Coast Map
A monumental Iñupiaq walrus tusk cribbage board, measuring approximately 28.5 inches long, elaborately decorated with applied carvings of Arctic wildlife and an extensive scrimshaw map of the Bering Sea coast. Attributed to the Nome area and likely the work of a talented individual of King Island descent, artist once known. Design elements favor construction of mid-twentieth-century origin. Its exceptional scale, numerous sculptural elements, and carefully rendered geography make it an impressive expression of the region’s carving and scrimshaw traditions.
Following the tusk’s sweeping natural curve, the playing surface presents a lively assembly of separately carved figures around two elongated scoring tracks. These include an Alaska Native individual in traditional attire, a miniature cannon, four walruses with prominent elongated tusks, two animals presumed to represent polar bears, numerous seals, and assorted other Arctic wildlife. Variations in the tusk’s cream, honey, and gray-brown tones lend additional character to the individual carvings. Fine incised lines and hatching organize the drilled scoring fields, balancing the abundant sculptural decoration with the board’s practical function.
The reverse offers an equally engaging display: a well-rendered coastal map extending from the Golovnin Sound area of Norton Sound westward through Nome and onward to Cape Prince of Wales, the westernmost point of mainland North America. Place names, coastal contours, and densely hatched land connect the board to the waters and communities of the Seward Peninsula. Read alongside the wildlife above, the map gives the object a strong sense of place, bringing landscape, animals, and human activity together within a single substantial tusk.
Long curved side rails—one of walrus tusk and the other of baleen—further distinguish the construction. Their slender forms follow the board’s contours and add another element of ambitious workmanship. The combination of exceptional length, miniature sculpture, engraved geography, and integrated storage makes this a particularly elaborate example of a familiar regional art form. Four playing pegs accompany the board.
Condition reflects age, handling, and repairs. The terminal storage closure and adjoining tusk rim are broken; what appears to be most of the broken material remains present. Several applied figures show evidence of regluing. The cannon was detached when received, and its original orientation is uncertain; it is also unknown whether another human figure originally accompanied it.
The side rails are of uncertain originality, with the baleen rail possibly a later replacement. At least two attachment points no longer hold the curved rail in its intended alignment, allowing portions to project outward. A larger compartment near the terminal end, beneath the cannon and adjacent to the human figure and first two walruses, is partly exposed and likely once had a cover over the presently open portion. Additional condition includes surface scratches, discoloration, small edge chips, and wear or adhesive residue around attachments.
Measures approximately 28.5 inches long × 3 inches wide × 3.5 inches high overall.
Auction Estimate: $800–$1,000.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
A monumental Iñupiaq walrus tusk cribbage board, measuring approximately 28.5 inches long, elaborately decorated with applied carvings of Arctic wildlife and an extensive scrimshaw map of the Bering Sea coast. Attributed to the Nome area and likely the work of a talented individual of King Island descent, artist once known. Design elements favor construction of mid-twentieth-century origin. Its exceptional scale, numerous sculptural elements, and carefully rendered geography make it an impressive expression of the region’s carving and scrimshaw traditions.
Following the tusk’s sweeping natural curve, the playing surface presents a lively assembly of separately carved figures around two elongated scoring tracks. These include an Alaska Native individual in traditional attire, a miniature cannon, four walruses with prominent elongated tusks, two animals presumed to represent polar bears, numerous seals, and assorted other Arctic wildlife. Variations in the tusk’s cream, honey, and gray-brown tones lend additional character to the individual carvings. Fine incised lines and hatching organize the drilled scoring fields, balancing the abundant sculptural decoration with the board’s practical function.
The reverse offers an equally engaging display: a well-rendered coastal map extending from the Golovnin Sound area of Norton Sound westward through Nome and onward to Cape Prince of Wales, the westernmost point of mainland North America. Place names, coastal contours, and densely hatched land connect the board to the waters and communities of the Seward Peninsula. Read alongside the wildlife above, the map gives the object a strong sense of place, bringing landscape, animals, and human activity together within a single substantial tusk.
Long curved side rails—one of walrus tusk and the other of baleen—further distinguish the construction. Their slender forms follow the board’s contours and add another element of ambitious workmanship. The combination of exceptional length, miniature sculpture, engraved geography, and integrated storage makes this a particularly elaborate example of a familiar regional art form. Four playing pegs accompany the board.
Condition reflects age, handling, and repairs. The terminal storage closure and adjoining tusk rim are broken; what appears to be most of the broken material remains present. Several applied figures show evidence of regluing. The cannon was detached when received, and its original orientation is uncertain; it is also unknown whether another human figure originally accompanied it.
The side rails are of uncertain originality, with the baleen rail possibly a later replacement. At least two attachment points no longer hold the curved rail in its intended alignment, allowing portions to project outward. A larger compartment near the terminal end, beneath the cannon and adjacent to the human figure and first two walruses, is partly exposed and likely once had a cover over the presently open portion. Additional condition includes surface scratches, discoloration, small edge chips, and wear or adhesive residue around attachments.
Measures approximately 28.5 inches long × 3 inches wide × 3.5 inches high overall.
Auction Estimate: $800–$1,000.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
