NAVIGATION

A Rare Pair of ‘Snow Goggles’ 
Etched ‘eyebrows’ and two holes pierced to each side for fixing
Superb golden colour with worn patina 
Walrus Ivory 
Punuk Culture 
Circa 8th Century AD

Size: 13cm wide - 5¼ ins wide 

The Eskimo are the most dispersed indigenous group globally, spanning approximately 4,000 miles primarily along the northern peripheries of the American and Russian continents. Their 3,000-year-old culture is distinct and not shared with any other sub-polar peoples, such as the Lapps. Their nomadic lifestyle instilled in them an extraordinary resilience in preserving their culture over vast distances.
     Snow blindness is a debilitating and excruciating condition that poses an occupational hazard for Arctic hunters. The retina of the eye is damaged by excessive ultraviolet radiation reflected from snow-covered landscapes. The use of goggles effectively reduces the amount of light entering the eye.

European Private collection 
Ex Patrick Mestdagh Gallery, Brussels 
Ex Private European collection