#51 • Walrus Tusk "Legend of Kauwerak" Scrimshaw Story Scene - Bernard Katexac

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

High bid $4,500.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

Highly ornate scrimshaw walrus tusk, signed and dated c.1975 by Inupiaq artist Bernard Katexac (1922-1997) with an exceedingly detailed story panel scene across the top and both sides of the tusk, depicting animals, hunters, builders and more, specifically the Legend of Kauwerak, referring to a collection of Inupiat Eskimo myths from Northern Alaska, as told by Seward Peninsula author William A. Oquilluk (1896-1972) in his book, People of Kauwerak: Legends of the Northern Eskimo. The tusk artwork has a single peg for stability; there are natural hairline fissures throughout. It measures approximately 2.5" wide (without peg) x 1.5" tall x 20.5" in total length.