Product Overview
Double-Sided Walrus Ivory Carving — a finely detailed piece featuring two scenes. The front side depicts a family of walruses and puffins resting on coastal cliffs, while the reverse portrays a traditional hunting scene — a reflection of Alaska Native subsistence life. Above the hunter appears a spiritual face, symbolizing ancestral guidance and protection during the hunt.
Signed by the artist - Joe Kunnuk is from King Island, Alaska. Joe began carving at a young age learning techniques from his father and grandfather, noted carver John Olanna. Joe is inspired by his life experiences. His favorite subjects include polar bear and seal scenes, hunters and rookeries. He is known for his stylized relief work and often includes a personal signature in the form of a human face somewhere in his original work.
All of the material Joe uses is provided from nature through traditional subsistence living. Sea mammals are a main food source of the Inupiaq people and nothing is wasted when an animal is harvested for food.
Joe uses walrus ivory, baleen and fossilized whalebone to create his art. He is also known for making use of the root of the tusk for his rookery carvings. His work is highly collectable and in demand.
The size of the piece is approximately 4"x 3"x1".
