#50 • Collection of Alaska Native Artifacts with Harpoon Heads & Oil Lamp

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

High bid $550.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

A collection of thirteen Alaska Native artifact implements and ornaments crafted primarily from fossil walrus tusk and associated materials, illustrating both hunting technology and domestic life in the Arctic. The assemblage is highlighted by an exceptionally large toggle harpoon head intended for whaling or other large marine mammals, accompanied by several harpoon transfer sockets and foreshaft components associated with traditional hunting systems. Also included are a shallow oil lamp (nanuk), a finely carved avian-form toggle, a labret or lip ornament, float plugs, and other utilitarian objects. Domestic implements are represented by two incised combs used for personal grooming and fur preparation, a sharpening and polishing stone for maintaining ulu and scraper blades, and a beautifully worn fossil walrus tusk handle from a gut scraper, originally fitted with a slate blade and used in the preparation of seal and walrus intestines for waterproof clothing and other household items. Several pieces bear old field numbers and one example is marked "Shishmaref" as photographed. The largest artifact, a massive fossil walrus ivory toggle harpoon head for very large marine game, measures approximately 8" x 1.75" x 1" thick. COLLINS