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Modern 1896- Present

The gold rushes of 1896 and 1898 created boomtowns of St. Michael and Nome, respectively. The early twentieth century was a period of florescence for Eskimo artistic creativity. Cribbage boards were very popular, and together with engraved tusks, parasol handles and other new forms of carving, they dominated the market, eventually displacing the ivory pipes, drill bows and other artifacts of the previous century (Ray, 1997: 28).

Pipe
L. 8 in.

Southwestern Alaska from the Yukon Delta to Hooper Bay, including Nunivak Island, produced regional ivory carving which derived from a tradition of distinctively abstract painting on wood and hide, see Krech (1989: Figs. 36-9). Red and black pigments are used to highlight details. This pipe, with its projecting polar bear head and red and black circles, is a good illustration of this southern style.

Figural Needle Case (Mingqucivik)
L. 5 in.

The figural needle case and bobbin, is one of the finest of its type. The seal's head is a removable cover for the container; the bobbin extension in the form of a fish is probably a unique feature. The engraved abstract skeletal detailing with circular joint is typical of southwestern, especially Nunivak, art style (Ray, 1982b: 24).

Cribbage Board
L. 21.25 in.

This cribbage board is of special significance because of its early provenance. It was collected by Rev. F. Drebert , a Moravian missionary in Bethel, Alaska, in 1910-1915. It descended in the Drebert family after its initial collection. The primary subject depicted is that of a killer whale which holds a limp seal in its gaping, reddened jaws. Two raptors with extended talons flanking the pegboard may represent the giant eagle tingmaikpuk; compare Ray (1977: 21, Fig. 15).

Parasol Handle
By Happy Jack
L. 7.75 in.

Happy Jack is believed to have produced a wide variety of object types with various styles of decoration. He founded a school of engraving and carving which created hundreds of works from 1900-1918. The parasol handle presented here is a masterpiece of design and carving. Eight individual species of regional animals, including a polar bear, fox, otter, walrus and a human face, possibly a signature portrait of the artist, are carved in relief on this handle.

Figure of a HunterFigure of a BirdRelief Carving
L. 2.25 in. L. 5.75 in.L. 6.25 in.