North America | Alaska
Thule Figure
Alaska
Thule Culture
(Ancient Eskimo)
Prior 19th century
Carved walrus tooth
Height: 3 ¼ in. (8.5 cm)
Ex collection Donald Ellis Gallery
Ellis Thule Figure 8.5 cm / Galerie Flak
Price on request
According to Fitzhugh et Kaplan (Inua: Spirit World of the Bering Sea Eskimo, 1982 : 156), these carved figurines were carved for several purposes: to stand in for people absent from the village during festivals, to avert infertility, or else to focus the attention of animal inua (spirit) during the Doll Festival, which was held to bless hunting and fishing expeditions in the coming year.
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