Eskimo Drummer

Eskimo Drummer
fossilized whalebone, walrus ivory, baleen
23”h x 11”d x 6”w

This unique hand-carved drummer is by Iñupiaq artist Fred Nayokpok from the village of Shismaref, Alaska. It is made from fossilized whalebone. Walrus ivory is used for the face of the dancer and eight small faces carved from walrus ivory are inlaid around the edge of the dancer’s kuspuk along with several decorative inlays. The artist uses baleen to detail the eyes and a wisp of baleen to create the drumstick.