Carved Beluga Whale and Polar Bear Claw

Carved Beluga Whale and Polar Bear Claw
polar bear claw, fossilized walrus ivory, baleen
4.5"h x 1.125"w x .75"d

Robert Raphael, Yupik carver originally from Alakanuk, Alaska, carved this beluga whale from fossil walrus ivory as a sculptural support for a polar bear claw. Robert inlaid baleen to depict the whale's eyes and also as an accent between the carving and the claw.

The claw is taken from a polar bear harvested for subsistence purposes. The meat is divided up for the community and the hide, teeth, and claws are used in artwork, jewelry and clothing.

Alaska Native ivory art is highly collectable but it is important to be an educated buyer. For more information refer to Alaska Native Ivory brochure from the U.S. Department of the Interior – Indian Arts and Crafts Board online: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/iacb_alaska_ivory_brochure_2018_web.pdf

For price or more information, please call or email arcticspiritgallery @gmail.com.