Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Beringian / Old Bering Sea Culture / Yupik people, Thule / Pre-Contact Period, ca. 200 BCE to 800 CE. This is an interesting and rare artefact made from walrus ivory that is hand-carved into a vessel as a boat effigy or toy. The interior section is hollowed out, and the base is flat and stable to rest upright on. The elongated body tapers at either end to create a stern and prow like a kayak. The tip of one end is pierced, perhaps for securing a line to float on water. Creating small scale models of boats may have helped demonstrate carving skills to children and to function as toys or storage vessels. Size: 5.65" L x 1" W x 1" H (14.4 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 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.

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Covington, Louisiana, USA collection

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#169868

Loss to the rim on a long side as shown. Abrasions and chips throughout. Heavy dark patina and great signs of age.