Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, Pre-Contact period, ca. 18th century CE. A rare and remarkable sculpture of a figure in a kayak, skillfully hand-carved from the tusk of a walrus. Rendered in a sleek, minimalist style reminiscent of Archaic Greek art, the stunning piece shows a lengthy vessel with an openwork bow comprised of 3 slender parts that taper to a point and a bifurcated stern. The central figure fits into the center of the boat and features short arms, slanted shoulders, and a sizeable, pointed head with a broad nose. A pair of petite pegs extend from the bottom of the kayak, allowing the sculpture to balance and stand upright. Size: 7.1" L x 0.9" W x 2.3" H (18 cm x 2.3 cm x 5.8 cm)

This piece has been tested using radiocarbon dating (C-14) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This is a pre-Act piece of walrus ivory under the MMPA 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 was made prior to 1972.

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: private Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA collection, acquired in 2007; ex-Al Wiederhold (aka Alaska Al) private collection

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.

#168773

Miniscule loss to bottom of base pegs. A few minor scratches. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina. Figure is removable from kayak.