Inupiaq Polar Bear by Eric Tetpon Sr.
Inupiaq carved ivory polar bear by Eric Tetpon Sr. (1919 - 2006). Eric Tetpon Sr. was a noted master carver of ivory from the famous Tetpon family of Inupiaq carvers. This classic ivory carving of a polar bear is a miniature masterpiece and is carved out of one piece of ivory – base and all. The sinuous polar bear is depicted in the old way, with his mouth dyed red and his sharp teeth on full display. Some early tourists found depictions of a red mouth in bears disturbing, so the practice was phased out in the second half of the 20th century by artists working in the tourist market. The carving is signed on the bottom of the base.
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 survival were often represented. 2 1/4"
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 survival were often represented. 2 1/4"
PERIOD: Last Half 20th Century
ORIGIN: Arctic, Native American
SIZE: 2 1/4" long
$245.00
Original: $700.00
-65%Inupiaq Polar Bear by Eric Tetpon Sr.—
$700.00
$245.00More Images
Inupiaq Polar Bear by Eric Tetpon Sr.
Inupiaq carved ivory polar bear by Eric Tetpon Sr. (1919 - 2006). Eric Tetpon Sr. was a noted master carver of ivory from the famous Tetpon family of Inupiaq carvers. This classic ivory carving of a polar bear is a miniature masterpiece and is carved out of one piece of ivory – base and all. The sinuous polar bear is depicted in the old way, with his mouth dyed red and his sharp teeth on full display. Some early tourists found depictions of a red mouth in bears disturbing, so the practice was phased out in the second half of the 20th century by artists working in the tourist market. The carving is signed on the bottom of the base.
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 survival were often represented. 2 1/4"
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 survival were often represented. 2 1/4"
PERIOD: Last Half 20th Century
ORIGIN: Arctic, Native American
SIZE: 2 1/4" long
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Description
Inupiaq carved ivory polar bear by Eric Tetpon Sr. (1919 - 2006). Eric Tetpon Sr. was a noted master carver of ivory from the famous Tetpon family of Inupiaq carvers. This classic ivory carving of a polar bear is a miniature masterpiece and is carved out of one piece of ivory – base and all. The sinuous polar bear is depicted in the old way, with his mouth dyed red and his sharp teeth on full display. Some early tourists found depictions of a red mouth in bears disturbing, so the practice was phased out in the second half of the 20th century by artists working in the tourist market. The carving is signed on the bottom of the base.
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 survival were often represented. 2 1/4"
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 survival were often represented. 2 1/4"
PERIOD: Last Half 20th Century
ORIGIN: Arctic, Native American
SIZE: 2 1/4" long
