SOLD FOR $3,300

Inuit Carved Walrus Ivory Shaman Chain, Northwest Alaska, mid to late 19th century, comprising 32 links, the first carved to resemble a whale’s head and the last a tail, all carved from a single walrus tusk, on contemporary stand.
Length 32 in.

Note: Chains like this were used as charms by native Alaskan whalers and were often seen attached to baleen cups made to give whales their first drink of water after being caught, a common ritual practice in the coastal Alaskan areas which relied heavily on whaling.