Miniature Eskimo carved puffin of painted fossilized walrus ivory by Al Mayac. Signed “Al Mayac” on bottom. Al Mayac comes from a family of distinguished Alaskan Eskimo ivory carvers. These carvings were usually small carvings from walrus ivory, representing local animals and Inuit themselves, going about everyday life. Seals, caribou, polar bears, birds, and other animals important to Inuit’s survival were often represented.
PERIOD: Late 20th Century
ORIGIN: Arctic – Eskimo, Native American
SIZE: 1 1/2″ x 1″