#44 • Very Fine "Messenger Feast" Scrimshaw Walrus Tusk - Bernard T. Katexac

Part of December 2025 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $2,300.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

Ornately scrimshawed walrus tusk, signed and dated 1973, by Inupiaq artist Bernard T. Katexac (King Island, 1922-1997). Piece has fine India ink details, depicting the Messenger Feast or Kivgi, a biannual midwinter celebration in Alaska, traditionally held by Inupiaq and Yup'ik peoples after a strong whale harvest. It has a small peg for stability, along with some small natural fissures throughout. Measures approximately 2.5" x 2.25" x 16.5" in total length.