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Eskimo Oosik Walrus Ivory Carving early 1900

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Eskimo Oosik Walrus Ivory Carving early 1900
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This is an original Eskimo Inuit Native American oosik carving. The oosik is the baculum, or penis bone of the Walrus. The oosik is long valued as a totemic by the Eskimo people. The rare piece has carved walrus ivory pieces on each end with one end showing a growling Polar Bear (has scrimshaw black and red painted mouth) and the other being a Walrus bust with one tusk missing (also scrimshawed). The piece shows very good condition and is exceedingly rare from the early to mid 1900’s. Overall the piece is 18 5/8”L. Polar bear carving is 2.25”L. Walurs carving is 1.25”L x 1 7/8”The Ivory was taken legally by Eskimo Natives in Alaska pre-1972.