Featured Bone?

So I moved recently and the last tenants left a bunch of cool vintage stuff in the basement. Anyways this was one of e items. And yes I know it’s not jewelry but I’m just used to everyone here and comfortable so I’m sorry...


Assuming it’s bone...but anyone know year? Inuit? Someone said it’s for good luck? Lol idk. Anything would be appreciated...oh also how much can I sell it for!!”9@

 

Billiken - size would be nice to know, and bit awkward to sell since it's ivory (suspect Komo and others will be along...)

~Cheryl

 

Sperm whale tooth. Called a Billiken - a made up creature designed to attract tourists.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billiken

 

Depending on where you live ,you probably can't sell it legally..... https://gustavus.com/heidi/laws.html

 

can't add to what's been said here.... other that it's a cute one.....

 

...ah a nice piece of "camel bone"

 

So I can’t sell it??? I got three different answers on material. What is it? Ivory? Bone?

 

Approximately 6-7”

 

whale tooth

 

Your billiken is made from a sperm whale's tooth. Whale teeth are sometimes referred to as ivory - but obviously not elephant ivory. Blooey's reference to "camel bone" was made tongue in cheek. Sellers on ebay often call ivory "camel bone" to evade the legal restrictions.
Sperm whales and their parts have been protected since 1972 when the Marine Mammal Protection Act was passed. If you can prove that the item was acquired before 1972, there are no restrictions. Otherwise it is not legal to sell whale teeth.

 

Thank you very much for that explanation/piece of history! I do appreciate that!!