Native American, North America, Pacific Northwest Coast, Alaska, Inuit, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved walrus ivory awl in the form of a minimalist, abstract pinniped (seal or walrus) form. The zoomorphic aspects of the tool include a teardrop-form body with a rounded end - resembling a seal or walrus head - as well as a streamlined lower body, and the tapered, conical tip is the functional component of this awl. Awls like this example were used to puncture holes in tough materials like blubber or leather to make clothing items like jackets, pants, and boots. Smooth patina has formed across this implement. Size: 4.375" L x 1.3" W (11.1 cm x 3.3 cm)

This is a pre-Act piece of walrus ivory under the MMPA and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167841

Minor abrasions to body and awl tip, with darkening to color of some surfaces, otherwise intact and very good. Awl point is still relatively sharp. Nice patina throughout. Old inventory label on one side of body.