Eskimo Artifacts, Fishing decoys

The livelihood and well being of many of the Eskimo tribes was based on their prowess as fishermen. For a variety of reasons, Walrus ivory became the fishermen's best friend and most versatile raw material for tools.

Fish Decoy
Carved and drilled Walrus ivory. L. 3.33 in

The Arctic is an inhospitable area, notably poor in natural resources. Stone knives and scrapers were the only durable tools. Metal for sculpting and cutting was largely unknown and only a few carvable media for toolmaking existed.

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled and incised Walrus ivory. L. 4.33 in

Despite this, the area was a rich migration grounds for many species of fish and aquatic mammals. A large Walrus population was constant and the huge mammals, along with seal, reindeer and the occasional Polar Bear, comprised a large part of the Eskimo diet. Because of its comparative abundance and durability, Walrus ivory became the principal medium for toolmaking in the Bering Sea Eskimo cultures. Everything from children's toy to hunting implements were fashioned from this nearly indestrucable material and stayed in use from generation to generation, sometimes for hundreds of years.

Fish Decoy
Carved and incised Walrus ivory with inset eyes. L.2.33 in

The beauty of Ivory has always made it a highly desired commodity. Snow white when carved, it gracefully darkens with age. As shown below, many pieces have been were unearthed from arcaheological excavations and are stained in rich hues of brown from minerals deposited over the centuries in the material's veined structure.

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled and incised Walrus ivory. L. 4 in

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled and incised Walrus ivory. L. 4.33 in

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled and incised Walrus ivory. L. 2.16 in

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled and incised Walrus ivory. L. 2.33 in

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled and incised Walrus ivory. L. 3.5 in

Fish Decoy
Carved, drilled wood with attached Walrus ivory head and inset eyes. L. 3 in.