A Bering Strait Yupik Eskimo Carved Walrus Ivory Miniature Belt Fastener

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A Bering Strait Yupik Eskimo Carved Walrus Ivory Miniature Belt Fastener

Finch & Co

Period 1800-1850

Medium walrus ivory

Dimension 2.5 x 1.5 cm (1⁰/₁ x 0⁵/₈ inches)

c. A Bering Strait Yupik Eskimo Carved Walrus Ivory Miniature Belt Fastener Depicting
a Polar Bear the Eyes and Ears Inlaid with Baleen
Early 19th Century

Size: 1.2cm high, 0.5cm wide, 2.5cm deep - ½ ins high, ¼ ins wide, 1 ins deep

Period: 1800-1850

Medium: walrus ivory

Dimension: 2.5 x 1.5 cm (1⁰/₁ x 0⁵/₈ inches)

Provenance: Ex Private collection

Literature: Tiny belt fasteners and ornaments carved from ivory, bone and animal teeth were made in a variety of shapes including seals, whales, bears, otters, birds, caribou and fish. These pieces were hung low on the belt's edge and served as amulets to bring the hunter the depicted animal's skill and to appease its spirit. The collective name for these accumulated attachments was ‘Akkowlongaujit’ meaning ‘to dangle’ and such belts were regarded as very special and often hung on the grave of the deceased.

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