#15 • 24" Walrus Tusk Cribbage Board - William Pelowook

Part of June 2026 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $1,500.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

A walrus tusk cribbage board intricately embellished with an extensive scrimshaw narrative depicting the wildlife and visual traditions of the Arctic. The polished exterior is divided into a series of geometric panels framed by finely executed stippling, chevrons, and crosshatched borders, each enclosing carefully engraved figures of iconic northern fauna including a ringed seal, orca, bowhead whale, polar bear, fish, and additional marine life rendered in crisp black scrimshaw against the warm natural ivory surface. The composition is further enriched by repeating bands of traditional decorative motifs that unify the scenes into a continuous visual story wrapping the length of the tusk. The tapered tip is accented with stylized feather or wing motifs, while the broader end is adorned with additional geometric ornamentation and remains naturally open, revealing the secondary dentine structure within the tusk. The underside is fitted with three baleen leveling pegs, allowing the board to rest securely during play, while the tip is signed by renowned Yup'ik artist William Pelowook of Savoonga, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Combining functional folk art with exceptional scrimshaw craftsmanship, the piece serves as both a working cribbage board and a compelling sculptural representation of Alaska Native artistry. Measures approximately 24" long by 2.5" wide by 2" high.