Bird before 1500

This assemblage of miniature carvings was likely made by an Inuk artist from Alaska. The small figures are skillfully crafted from walrus ivory and arranged in a grouping with a birchbark container. The creamy, dense material of walrus ivory allows for fine detail, as seen in the subtle shaping of the animal forms. The act of carving, using tools handed down through generations, connects the artist to a rich cultural heritage. These were not made with sharp metal tools, but rather laboriously hand carved with traditional tools. Consider the amount of work it took to produce each piece, and the collective experience of the Inuk communities of Alaska, and their intimate relationship with the natural world. The carvings might have served as teaching tools, toys, or even spiritual objects, reflecting the integral role of animals in Inuit life. Looking closely at works like this, we can see beyond their aesthetic appeal and appreciate the deep connection between material, making, and culture.