Figural
Pendant
H. 2 in.
W. 1.25 in.
This pendant carving of a human face is almost black from burial and the surface is finely pitted, however, the delicately rendered facial details have survived, including the partially open , smiling mouth, revealing the tongue or teeth. This piece was undoubtedly a pendant, judging from the well worn perforation at the upper rim.
Head
H. 1.5 in.
Heads broken from figures and headless figures predominate among the figural sculpture of this period. They may have been ritually broken as part of funerary or shamanistic practices (Flair , 1982: 46). This human head is an excellent example of OBS IIsculpture. Facial features are rendered in a portrait-like manner; dotted surface engraving around the sides of the face and chin represent tattoo patterns.
Figural Pendant or
Attachment
Residual Inlay
L. 4.125 in.
This carving of a human left arm is an extremely rare, if not unique, object. It is slightly flexed, terminating in a grasping hand with pointed fingers and thumb. The truncated arm, retains a fragmentary suspension or attachement lug. Thus, this object may have been either part of a complex figure or a pendant in its own right. The concentric circle engraving on the back of the hand and between the thumb and first finger probably once contained inlay and may represent tattoo patterns; the two parallel lines that encircle the wrist may represent either tattoo or body ornament.
Figural Needle
Case
Residual Inlay
H. 3.5 in.
W. 1.5 in.
The body of this large needle case surmounted by a human head is embellished with chevron incising; drilled inlay is placed in the eye sockets, around the mouth, and around the crown of the head. The use of inlay in nucleated circles is common in OBS artistic styles, especially OBS II and III. It was often used to secure decorative tufts of hair (Carpenter, 1998). Materials used for inlay include baleen, wood, ivory, and minerals such as pyrite, jet, and copper.
Harpoon
Head
L. 3.5 in.
The Old Bering Sea hunter lavished meticulous attention on the embellishment of his hunting apparatus. This harpoon head bears nucleated double circles, chevron designs, and energetic ovals. In profile, a tapering head with oval orbital planes and narrow pointed muzzle may be discerned. The complexity and seeming compulsion with which these implements were decorated has led to speculation about the existence of a highly developed cult centered around activities of the hunt during Old Bering Sea times.
Historic / Modern