Fossil Whalebone

Fossilized Whalebone Carving

Fossilized whalebone is primarily found in the coastal villages of the Northwest and Arctic regions of Alaska. For centuries, the Alaska Inupiaq and Yupik have developed the art of carving whalebone into the sculptural art form of today. Whalebone carvers use very simple tools such as files, saws, and sandpaper.  They also have a special process for drying and cleaning the bone.

The whalebone used in creating these unique sculptures is old, not new. Fresh whalebone is oily, smells, will splinter and considered unusable. Bones used may come from the base of the whale’s skull or the vertebrae.

The color of the bone depends on where it is found and the minerals that it has absorbed while laying on the ground or beach for several hundred or even thousands of years.  Because of this, no two carvings will have the same color or design.

It is has been said that by using centuries old reclaimed material, whalebone carvings express the balance of man and nature.  As their ancestors did, the traditional Eskimo carver uses the natural shape of the bone in creating a piece.  Whalebone sculptures usually depict an aspect of village life and cultural activities.

Both Alaska Natives and non-Natives are permitted to work with whalebone.  Be advised to look for the Silver Hand sticker on Alaskan artwork to ensure the authenticity of true Alaska Native work.