Polar Bear and Seal on Ice Floe
Sculpture; Figural carving in the round • Inuit Artist (likely Iñupiaq from Alaska, possibly St. Lawrence Island)
Style & Movement
Indigenous Alaskan (Inuit/Iñupiat) Arctic Folk Art
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved Walrus Ivory (tooth or tusk) on an Whale Bone or Porous Stone base; techniques include carving, polishing, and ink scrimshaw detailing for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1950-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Horizontal base (approx. 4-5 inches wide) with a vertical figural orientation.
Subject Description
A narrative scene featuring an upright, snarling polar bear standing over a killed or resting seal on a base mimicking a snowy ice floe. The bear exhibits aggressive posturing typical of Alaskan tourist-market carvings of the mid-century.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the ivory shows a bright, creamy white patina with minimal yellowing and no visible structural cracks (checking) typical of aged tusks.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $700 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely a souvenir acquisition from an Alaskan trading post or gallery during the mid-20th century; currently part of a private collection displayed among vintage literature.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the emergence of the Alaskan 'souvenir economy' where traditional subsistence hunters transitioned to creating ivory art for the Western market. Such pieces are significant examples of cultural exchange and indigenous economic adaptation.
Notable Features
High-gloss polish on the ivory contrasts sharply with the textured, matte finish of the bone base; expressive anatomical detailing in the bear's open mouth and claws.
Condition Issues
Minor accumulation of dust in the porous base; infinitesimal wear on the ink detailing of the bear's mouth and eyes; potential hair-line age cracks (not visible in photo but common for this material).
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity to prevent ivory cracking; clean only with a soft, dry brush; ensure compliance with CITES and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) documentation if selling or transporting.
Collector Notes
Alaskan ivory carving