A Collection of Four Bering Sea Eskimo Inuit Hunting Amulets Carved of Walrus Ivory

Caption Literature Exhibition

A Collection of Four Bering Sea Eskimo Inuit Hunting Amulets Carved of Walrus Ivory
A.
A Drag Handle in the Form of a Polar Bear’s Head with two drilled eyes and small carved ears
Early 19th Century
Size: 5cm long - 2 ins long
B.
An Ancient Pendant Hunting Amulet in the Form of a Smiling Swimming Seal a small attachment hole to its tail
Circa 800 - 1200 AD
Size: 4.5cm long - 1¾ ins long
C.
An Ancient Arctic Hunter’s Harpoon Finger Rest in the Form of a Polar Bear’s Head
Circa 800 - 1200 AD
Size: 4.5cm long - 1¾ ins long
D.
A Hunter’s Block Attacher Used to Secure the Harpoon Line to the Float or to the Toggle Handle for Ice Hunting in the form of a diving Bowhead Whale
Early 19th Century
Size: 2.5cm high, 3cm wide - 1 ins high, 1¼ ins wide

The Shamans communicated with the spirits supplicating them for success in hunting to help the Inuit community survive in the harsh northern snow and ice bound landscape. Clothing, regalia and amulets such as these examples embodied the Shamans power and spiritual mystery. Masks, drums, headdresses, harpoons and amulets were the tools, weapons and armour of the Shaman establishing his authority with the people, and allowing him to venture safely into the spirit world.

NOTE: A and C now sold
B and D currently available

A Collection of Four Bering Sea Eskimo Inuit Hunting Amulets Carved of Walrus Ivory