Quadruped before 1500

This is an interesting collection of miniature animal carvings made out of walrus ivory by an Inuk artist, although its exact date remains unknown. Animal carvings have deep roots within Inuit culture, often embodying spiritual meanings, serving as hunting charms or as representations of the natural world. Historically, this art form has been shaped by the intersection of traditional beliefs and the pressures of a changing environment. The transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities has influenced the materials and subject matter, as seen in the integration of both traditional and introduced materials. The depiction of animals reflects a deep knowledge of Arctic ecosystems, yet these small, portable objects also speak to a sense of cultural continuity. Such carvings offer a personal connection to the artist's world, and they simultaneously reflect societal shifts and cultural endurance.