A Bering Sea Yupik Eskimo Walrus Ivory Amulet and a Carved Walrus Ivory Amuletic Spear Holder
A Bering Sea Yupik Eskimo Walrus Ivory Amulet ‘Iinrut’ in the Form of Polar Bear and a Carved Walrus Ivory Amuletic Spear Holder ‘Akagyailkutet’ in the Form of a Tusked Walrus
Early 19th Century
Sizes: A 2.5cm high, 5.5cm long - 1 ins high, 2 ins long
B 2.5cm high, 5.5cm long - 1 ins high, 2 ins long - NOW SOLD
C 2.5cm high, 2.5cm deep - 1 ins high, 1 ins deep - NOW SOLD
Early 19th Century
Sizes: A 2.5cm high, 5.5cm long - 1 ins high, 2 ins long
B 2.5cm high, 5.5cm long - 1 ins high, 2 ins long - NOW SOLD
C 2.5cm high, 2.5cm deep - 1 ins high, 1 ins deep - NOW SOLD
‘Iinrut’ are shamanic devices made as amuletic ‘protecting spirits’ carved by the shaman for a particular person, often a child. They performed a similar function to that of a Christian crucifix worn around the neck.
Amuletic devices were attached to the gunwales of a kayak by means of the leather ropes that run across the top of the vessel. The walrus stood tied with its tusks in an upright position preventing the hunter’s lance or spear from falling overboard as he approached his quarry. Once attached the amulets were never removed from the kayak.
Amuletic devices were attached to the gunwales of a kayak by means of the leather ropes that run across the top of the vessel. The walrus stood tied with its tusks in an upright position preventing the hunter’s lance or spear from falling overboard as he approached his quarry. Once attached the amulets were never removed from the kayak.
A Bering Sea Yupik Eskimo Walrus Ivory Amulet and a Carved Walrus Ivory Amuletic Spear Holder
SOLD
