Rare Ancient Alaskan Bering Sea Walrus Ivory Figure

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Beringian / Old Bering Sea Culture, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. A rare and ancient walrus ivory carving of an anthropomorphic effigy figure. The minimalist body is carved into a cylindrical shape with protruding nubbin shoulders and a neck that supports an elongated head. The visage is comprised of a long, relief nose, incised eyes, and a pointed chin. The ancient Alaskan cultures that lived along coastal areas relied upon the marine animals such as walrus for subsistence. Carvings were their main artistic output and carvings of stylized figures were popular, although their function - whether ceremonial or artistic - remains unclear. Size: 4.5" L x 1.125" W (11.4 cm x 2.9 cm)

Cf. the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1991.228.1

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.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

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.

#166703
Condition Report: Surface wear as expected with age and exposure to elements. Abrasions to head and surface chips, otherwise intact and very good. Lustrous patina to high pointed facial details and shoulders. Inventory label taped to figure.