Miniature Figure

Okvik

Excavated in the Punuk Islands, Alaska

200 B.C. - 100 A.D.

Fossilized Walrus Ivory

4.7cm

ex. New York Private Collection

The permafrost of Northern Alaska has preserved and revealed an astonishing amount of archaeological material, and none more remarkable and famous than the ivory objects of the Okvik culture in the Punuk Islands. The wealth of these objects can be attributed to the abundance of walruses which come to the islands during seasonal migrations, basking in large groups on land. Okvik  objects range from tiny ivory hunting implements to larger figural sculptures and heads. While the exact purpose of many of these objects has been lost to time, one can surmise that a tiny figure such as this one likely served as some sort of intimate protective charm. Such charms are common among all Inuit cultures, and are often kept in personal pouches worn around the necks to give the wearer spiritual protection from the harsh and unforgiving Arctic climate, especially when out hunting on ice floats or navigating waters in search of seals. The Okvik culture is notable for the extreme artistic stylization of their figural sculptures, capturing a serenity and refinement (especially of the faces) reminiscent of Brancusi’s famous ‘Danaïde’ sculptures.