Fred Nayokpuk is an Iñupiaq fossilized whalebone carver born in the village of Shismaref, Alaska on December 21, 1962. Shishmaref residents rely heavily on a subsistence lifestyle including hunting and gathering much of their food. Primary food sources include sea mammals such as oogruk (bearded seal), other seals, and walrus, fish, birds (such as ptarmigan), caribou and moose.

Shishmaref is well known for its Inupiaq carving. Local artists use whalebone and walrus ivory, either found or from subsistence hunting, to create sculptures that capture the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Inupiaq people. Fred’s father, Lawrence, was a whalebone carver and taught his son the art form. Fred’s first carvings were made in 1985.

Over the years Fred has developed his own style. His whalebone carvings are accented with inlays of walrus ivory and baleen. Today, his work may be found in museums and private collections in the United States as well as Europe.