Featured Double walrus pen holder, carved Ivory...........

Discussion in 'Tribal Art' started by komokwa, May 19, 2019.

  1. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Thanks....but 'not lucky'...... good at what I do !!! hehe ! ;)

    Yes....the etching that follows the ivory cracking...( 4 want of a better term..) has always peaked my interest !!
    That's why I took pains to show it as clear as possible hoping someone might venture an opinion on why it's there....
    It seems to never have been signed.....but someone put those fronds there for a reason.....that I've been unable to discern .
     
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  2. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    upload_2019-5-20_0-21-19.png

    upload_2019-5-20_0-22-29.png

    TANTALIZING! but can't find an active link...
     
  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    you may be on to something here , but the item you've shown , i'm sure is earlier than mine........ still , that row of holes is perplexing.!
     
  4. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

  5. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    I just keep coming back to 'adaptation' of something old, catering not to 'tourist' but sailing vessels. As if the Inuit amulet would be 'repurposed' to a Captains use, and then further adapted.

    @i need help : Nice!

    Agree komokwa's object is not as old, but I'm just feeling 20's 30's. No proof, just gut.
     
  6. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    I'm impressed by it's size.....it came from a large tusk... that shows good age , never mind the carving...
     
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  7. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    Notes: The exact use is unknown but thought to be a cleat on a bidarka [kayak] or a charm.
     
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  8. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    the hunting of otters was very special.....i'd say charm !
     
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  9. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    another look....

    IMG_5742.JPG
     
    cxgirl, Figtree3 and Any Jewelry like this.
  10. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    kyratango likes this.
  11. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

  12. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    cool...but I'm not seeing that......

    & an otter floatin on her back....well she's just being an otter....

    upload_2019-5-20_3-24-15.jpeg
     
  13. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    and the gang'll back me up on that....:hilarious::hilarious:
    upload_2019-5-20_3-27-50.jpeg
     
  14. Shwikman

    Shwikman Well-Known Member

    That photo would be an otter and her pup undoubtedly.
     
  15. kyratango

    kyratango Bug jewellery addiction!

  16. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Cute, and gorgeous.:happy: May you catch many walrus.:)
     
  17. Figtree3

    Figtree3 What would you do if you weren't afraid?

    I've heard that skillful people are often luckier than others. Knowledge helps! ;):)
     
  18. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    ok, ok! you've all convinced me that CUTE trumps WALRUS.

    ...and it helped that I found more flippers turned under on carvings so, its more likely otter or sea lion than walrus - plus the body of the carving is streamlined, rather than the typical upright walrus pose -- and it's harder to justify using it as a kayak cleat if it's a walrus -- and age-wise, the walrus carvings seem more abundant later post WWII, and otter effigies are earlier and abundant more consistent with the age of ivory. And besides, they are so darn cute.

    And then using a picture of pup and mother against me, too... that just otter be outlawed. :):panda::beaver::bear:

    I've been thinking about the lashings too; the boat's - not mine. six holes, conical shape, like a counter sink for a screw, except, not for a screw head, for a sinew knot instead. Thus, you can run three lines around the boat, the ends secured at each pair of holes. These lines could be used for holding equipment. upload_2019-5-20_9-43-58.png
    The following is a modern homage to the old ones. upload_2019-5-20_9-34-42.png
    Shooting Star baidarka built for "WoodenBoat" article Jan/Feb 2015 #242
    It could be a 'pull handle' - note the one at the stern. the cord loops through and back on itself.
    upload_2019-5-20_9-46-14.png


    I think I've made your case for you adequately to poke holes in why it's an otter, not a pair of walrussians. And maybe why it's an older 'cleat' from a baidarka.
     
  19. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    OMG!!!!! IT'S KELP! OTTERS [edit, actually "Sea Lions"]. The incised marking is a Kelp frond that is at the top suspended on the surface by gas filled pockets that look like the 'tassle' at the end. AND it's even 'wrapped' around the body of the ivory, so that the frond is 'in the water' whereas the 'tassle/gas pockets' are on the surface.

    IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER!
    upload_2019-5-20_10-13-22.png upload_2019-5-20_10-14-45.png

    WHAT a piece of art.
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2019
  20. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    Ahem. Cough cough.
    upload_2019-5-20_10-19-47.png
    Not sayin'. I mean, just. You know. :pompous::pompous::pompous::playful:


    It's kelp. :beaver:

    upload_2019-5-20_10-41-23.png upload_2019-5-20_10-42-17.png

    sea lion :beaver: [limited by the choices...]
     

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    Last edited: May 20, 2019
    Christmasjoy, komokwa, cxgirl and 3 others like this.
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