#91 • Late 19th Century Eskimo Ice Fishing Poles w/ Walrus Tusk Lures

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

High bid $6,000.00

Status: Sold

Category: Edged Blades

A scarce pair of late 19th-century Eskimo ice fishing poles, hand-fashioned for subsistence fishing along the Arctic coast. Constructed from carved and naturally curved wooden shafts, each pole retains its line - one coradge, the other baleen, with the line wrapped around the body and secured within notches at the ends. Both examples are equipped with ingenious walrus tusk lures fitted with forged metal hooks, one incorporating inset weights and the other accompanied by an additional detachable multi-pronged tusk lure. One pole further retains a carved walrus tusk counterweight, all secured with traditional lashings. Such implements were traditionally employed through holes cut in the sea ice to catch sheefish, tomcod, and other Arctic species, reflecting the sophisticated adaptation of Indigenous hunters and fishermen to the harsh northern environment. The use of walrus ivory provided durability and buoyancy, while the weighted lure design enabled effective jigging beneath the ice. Survival of complete examples retaining their original components is increasingly uncommon. The larger pole measures approximately 23.5" in length, while the largest walrus tusk lure measures approximately 3.75" x 1" x 0.5".