Bird before 1500

These small carvings of animals, made of ivory, come from an unknown Inuit artist. Ivory carving is an ancient tradition in the Arctic, reflecting a deep connection with the natural world. These detailed miniatures tell us a lot about Inuit life and beliefs. Consider the cultural context: the geography of the Arctic, the dependence on hunting, and spiritual beliefs. These carvings could have been used as teaching tools, or as charms to ensure successful hunts. The presence of both land and sea animals underscores the Inuit reliance on both environments for survival. When encountering objects like these in a museum, we might ask: How did these carvings end up here, far from their original context? What role do museums play in preserving and interpreting indigenous cultures? We rely on anthropology, archaeology, and oral histories to understand the social and cultural significance of these objects. The meaning of art is always contingent on its context, and it is the historian’s role to bring that context to light.