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Punuk 600- 1200 AD

The Punuk culture evolved out of the OBS cultural complex. Unlike the OBS peoples who may have only occasionally hunted whales, the Punuk period saw a flourescence of whaling and a growth of population centers. This precluded the scattered habitation pattern characteristic of many OBS sites. With the growth of population centers, territorial conflicts arose contributing to the development of a warrior class and such technological inventions as the sinew-backed bow, the bow guard, and slat armor (Ackerman, 1984: 110).

Fragmentary HandleDrag Handle
L. 6.25 in. L. 4.5 in.

The Punuk trend toward simplification and reduction of complex curvilinear patterning is clearly evident in the drag handle. The curving contours and elements of the surface decoration derive from OBS art style. The individual elements, however, are isolated and do not relate formally to the overall abstract whale form.

Line Guide L. 6.375 in. Harpoon Counterweight Red Pigmented Inlay H. 3.5 in. W. 3.875 in. This large openwork harpoon counterweight is remarkable for its delicate form and surface elaboration. It is in virtually perfect condition and retains the original red pigmentation in the channels of its deeply engraved linear decoration. Judging from the fragmentary specimens that occur in middens, open-carved projectile elements were frequently broken.   Wrist GuardWrist GuardWrist Guard L. 3.25 in.BoneBone or Antler L. 3.75 in.L. 2.5 in. Wrist GuardWrist GuardWrist Guard or Attachment Wood InlayL. 4.75 in.L. 3.25 in. L. 3.25 in. Needle CaseAttachment or HandleAttachment or HandleUlu Handle L. 2.75 in.L. 6.375 in.L. 8.25 in.L. 2.75 in. Flat srap-like handles or attachements, like the ones above, with one or more perforations at the distal end, appear in many Punuk collections: see Ray(1980 [1961]: Figs. 24 and 26) and Wardwell (1986a:103, 128). Their precise function remains uncertain. Wardwell suggests that they were fitted with flat slate blades, secured through their perforations (1986a: 103). Deeply engraves on one side and retaining traces of the original red pigmented inlay, the designs exhibit perpendicular spurred, ticked, and "T" forms which are characteristic of Punuk art style.   HeadFigureFigure H. 1.625 in.H. 2.25 in.H. 1.25 in. The facial features of the fragmentary head are deeply carved, perhaps even somewhat exaggerated, and traces of red pigment remain in the cavities. The lips are puckered and slightly open as if in the act of speaking. The broad nose, which flares from the bridge to a wide expanse above the mouth, is similiar to several ascribed by Wardwell as possible figural references to the flukes of the whale, the hunter's trophy (1986: Pls. 16, 79, 119).       OBS I / OBS II & III / Punuk / Ipiutak / Western Thule Historic / Modern