Ivory Stand-off Between Polar Bear and Eskimo Hunter

ThisEskimo carved walrus ivory tableau depicts a dangerous stand-off between a large polar bear reared up on its hind legs with its red mouth open facing a determined Eskimo hunter standing with his spear pointed at the bear. These two figures are mounted onto a rounded edge piece of walrus ivory. It is a wonderful depiction of the dangers the Eskimo faced in living in the frozen north. The spear, which is usually missing or broken, is intact.The right leg of the hunter is cracked and separated but is stabilized by the glue holding the figures to the mount. The left front tooth of the polar bear is missing but it looks like this may have occurred when the piece was carved as there is no difference in the color of the ivory around the bear's mouth.

L. 5 ⅛"; H. 3 ½"

c.1960
Sold #7775



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