Description: A carving from an antique whale tooth. A seal with etched and painted eyes and features. Mounted on a stand of walrus ivory.

History: Walrus tusk ivory comes from two modified upper canines. It is also known, as a material, as morse. The tusks of a Pacific walrus may attain a length of one meter. Walrus teeth are also commercially carved and traded. The average walrus tooth has a rounded, irregular peg shape and is approximately 5 cm in length. The tip of a walrus tusk has an enamel coating which is worn away during the animal's youth. Fine longitudinal cracks, which appear as radial cracks in cross-section, originate in the cementum and penetrate the dentine. These cracks can be seen throughout the length of the tusk. Whole cross-sections of walrus tusks are generally oval with widely spaced indentations. The dentine is composed of two types: primary dentine and secondary dentine (often called osteodentine). Primary dentine has a classical ivory appearance. Secondary dentine looks marble or oatmeal-like.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 0.6875 | Height(in) = 4 | Width(in) = 5.5 | Depth(in) = 2.25

Size of Artwork(in): 4 x 5.5 x 2.25"

Artist Name: Unknown

Medium: Whales tooth.

Circa: 20th Century

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