Wonderful Alaskan Inuit Carved Bone Creature with Serrated Jaws,

Regular price $175.00

I have had one other Inuit carved creature with a similar form to this one--that one was antique and carved of Ivory, this one 20th century I believe and carved of bone, both Alaskan Inuit I am fairly certain. What is more challenging to determine for certain is the creature being represented. The treatment of the legs here, carved in low relief, curled around the body, I've found on a few other historic carvings, including one described (on good scholarly authority) as representing a wolf. The tapering of the body and shape of the head here make this feel to me more amphibious, and also perhaps embodying transformation, a common theme in Inuit art--as if emerging from the sea and about to extend its legs. Whatever the case, a marvelous and evocative carving, with beautifully serrated edges of its open jaw--looking rather like the pure embodiment of sustenance-seeking to me! And with a phallic-ness to the whole form too, which makes that ever-seeking-ness seem all the more so! 

5 7/8" l x 1 5/16" w x 7/8" t and in very nice condition. A couple of hairline cracks in the surface of the bone showing as lines running along the body on one side, indigenous to the carving.