Narwhal c. 20th century

This carving of a narwhal was created by an Inuit artist. The Inuit are Indigenous people inhabiting the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. Carvings like this are deeply rooted in Inuit culture, reflecting their close relationship with the Arctic environment and the animals they depend on for survival. The choice of materials, such as bone, ivory, or stone, often dictated the subject matter. Here, the artist has captured the likeness of the narwhal, an iconic Arctic whale known for its long, spiraled tusk. The sculpture serves not only as an artistic representation but also as a cultural symbol, embodying the Inuit's respect for nature and their traditional way of life. Further study using anthropological and geographical resources would help to deepen our understanding of this work.