Walrus Ivory Collection

Native (Inupiat) man of Sarichef Island, Alaska
6339124 Native (Inupiat) man of Sarichef Island, Alaska by Vangauberghe, A. (19th century); (add.info.: Native (Inupiat) man of Sarichef Island, Alaska

Plaque with the Holy Women at the Sepulchre, German, ca. 1140-60. Creator: Unknown
Plaque with the Holy Women at the Sepulchre, German, ca. 1140-60

Chess Piece in the Form of a King, German, 1350-1400. Creator: Unknown
Chess Piece in the Form of a King, German, 1350-1400

Game Piece with an Eagle Attacking a Hare, German, ca. 1100-1200. Creator: Unknown
Game Piece with an Eagle Attacking a Hare, German, ca. 1100-1200

Game Piece with a Scene from the Life of Apollonius of Tyre, German, ca. 1170

Plaque with Doubting Thomas, German, ca. 1140-60. Creator: Unknown
Plaque with Doubting Thomas, German, ca. 1140-60. Jesus meeting with his followers after the Resurrection

Scene de la mer glacial, ca. 1859. Creator: Isaac Israel Hayes
Scene de la mer glacial, ca. 1859

Head of a Tau Cross, c1140-1150, (1881). Creator: Frederick Albert Slocombe
Head of a Tau Cross, c1140-1150, (1881). Etching of a tau or T-shaped cross head, made in France in the mid 12th century, of walrus ivory inlaid with coloured pastes

Reliquary Cross, 10th century, (1881). Creator: A A Bradbury
Reliquary Cross, 10th century, (1881). Etching of an Anglo Saxon crucifix made c900-1000 AD, possibly in Winchester or Germany

Walrus Hunt, detail of carving on Eskimo snow-knife, walrus ivory, 19th century. Western Eskimo. British Museum. London

Portable Altar 1200-1220 Germany Cologne Gothic Period
Portable Altar, c. 1200-1220. Germany, Cologne, Gothic Period, 13th century. Walrus ivory, gilded copper, porphyry, champleve enamel

Dragons Head 1100-1150 Anglo-Norman Romanesque period
Dragons Head, 1100-1150. Anglo-Norman?, Romanesque period, 12th century. Walrus ivory; overall: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)

Game Piece Scene Life Apollonius Tyre ca 1170
Artokoloro

Inuit weapon carvings, artwork
Inuit weapon carvings. Artwork of etchings on Inuit weapons, found in 1826 by William Beechy at Hotham Inlet, in north-eastern Alaska, above the Arctic Circle

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"Exploring the Rich History and Artistry of Walrus Ivory" Walrus ivory, a material deeply intertwined with the Native (Inupiat) culture of Sarichef Island, Alaska, has been used for centuries to create exquisite works of art. From religious plaques like "Plaque with the Holy Women at the Sepulchre" from 12th-century Germany to intricate chess pieces such as the "Chess Piece in the Form of a King, " this unique medium has captivated artists throughout history. The versatility and beauty are evident in various game pieces found across different periods. The "Game Piece with an Eagle Attacking a Hare" showcases incredible craftsmanship from German artisans between 1100-1200. Similarly, another German creation from around 1170 depicts a scene from the life of Apollonius of Tyre on a captivating game piece. Religious artifacts also bear witness to walrus ivory's significance. The mysterious "Plaque with Doubting Thomas" reveals an unknown artist's skillful carving during ca. 1140-60 Germany. Additionally, reliquary crosses like those crafted in the 10th century demonstrate how walrus ivory was utilized to house sacred relics. Beyond Europe's borders, even Arctic explorers recognized walrus ivory's allure. Isaac Israel Hayes immortalized his journey through his artwork titled "Scene de la mer glacial, " created circa 1859. This depiction highlights both nature's majesty and humanity's connection to it. Moreover, talismans like Frederick Albert Slocombe’s intricately carved head of a Tau Cross (c1140-1150) and A. A Bradbury’s Reliquary Cross (10th century) showcase how walrus ivory was transformed into portable altars that could be carried wherever faith led its followers. Lastly, we cannot overlook how this remarkable material played an essential role in everyday life for indigenous communities.