An Inuit walrus ivory kayak harpoon rest

Bering Strait, Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, 19th century

Consisting of two walrus tusks connected with pegs and traces of leather strap. The solid top of each side is formed as a delicate polar bear from the waist up, with inlaid nostrils and eyes, from which a carved-out chain is suspended at the bottom, one longer than the other and ending with a hook.

L. 95 x W. 16 cm

Provenance:
Sherwoods, Beverly Hills (purchased in 25 July 1989); private collection, Brussels

Tools and amulets typically depicted animals or events, like hunting, in order to make the animal spirits, which enjoyed attention, happy. The Inuit believed that the better the skill and artistry in a piece, the more likely an animal was to return and feed the people. For comparable harpoon rests but without chains, see Portland Art Museum (access.no. 48.3.59), Royal Albert Memorial Museum (access. no. 51/1916/53) and Gillcrease Museum (access.no. 83.1205).