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Western Thule 1200- 1778 AD

Peoples of the Thule Tradition spread from Alaska eastward as far as Greenland; the cultural complex was named for Thule, Greenland by Therkel Mathaissen in 1927 (Collins, 1984: 15). The Thule built large settlements on strategic points of land along the northern coast, remains of which continue to emerge from large scale eroding middens at many of these sites (Stanford, 1976). In addition to continuing many of the cultural patterns of the Thule Tradition, including sea mammal hunting, caribou hunting, warfare, and the establishment of fixed habitations, the Thule are believed to have perfected dog sledding. They are credited with the development of many specialized tools and implements for hunting, fishing, and other activities of daily life.

 

Figure of a Pregnant Female H. 6 in. The pregant female is among the finest of Thule sculpture because of its aesthetic quality, condition, and evident antiquity. The depiction of a mature, pregnant female is also a rarity. She stands with feet together, legs slightly flexed, hands gently resting on her distended abdomen. The figure has a deep glossy patina, with variegated tone corresponding to the layers of ivory.   Fragmentary FigureFigureFigureFigure H. 3in.H. 4.1 in.H. 1.8 in.H. 5.75 in. This broad-shouldered, youthful figure, stands with legs slightly flexed, arms carved in low relief behind the back, and hands resting on the buttocks. He wears a thinly incised necklace and loincloth; the feet are worn away and the head and neck are missing. The posture , of hands behind the back, is not unusual among Thule figures. The second figure has slight indications of feet, a waist, and arms clasped behind its back. The facial features, though worn, are clearly visible: asymmetrically placed eyes, broad nose, and mouth rendered as a straight line. The last figure imparts an expressive posture to the subject. The facial features are surely indicated, with strong brow line, drilled eyes and mouth, and nose rendered in raised relief. The torso is covered with numerous drill holes, many retaining their original inlay material.   Figural Needle CaseFigural Fishing Lure L. 3.25 in.L. 3in. In the winter, Thule coastal peoples often retreated to inland forest encampments along the river-ways to augment their summer marine hunting by fishing and hunting caribou. The needlecase in the form of a recumbent caribou reflects Thule dependence on forest and maritime environments.   CombFigural Container Figural LureFigural Pendant L. 7.125 in.L. 2.89 in.L. 3.25 in.L. 3 in. KnifeAdze HeadAdze HeadWound Pin Slate BladeL. 5.5 in.L. 5 in.L. 4 in. L. 6 in. The knife is an example of a composite implement, with a slate blade and two part ivory handle secured with baleen binding. Ground slate blades occur in the Thule tradition from the earliest OBS times to the late nineteenth century.       OBS I / OBS II & III / Punuk / Ipiutak / Western Thule Historic / Modern