Walrus

Artist Inuit (Eskimo)

Datepre-1850

Mediumivory

ClassificationsVisual Works

Credit LineGift of Henry Schnakenberg

Object number1959.22.8

DescriptionWalrus carving in whale or walrus ivory; in a resting position with head up, back flippers tucked underneath and side flippers down at the side; 2 large creases along the back of the neck; eyes are lignite, nostrils are smaller ones; 2 parallel black lines on the right side are part of the bone formation; mounted on solid brass; probably used for support in hunting; it was believed that the making of such a carving put the hunter in contact with the soul of the animal; Eskimos often thank each animal they kill and leave a piece of the meat behind as a sign of gratitude

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