Ronald Apangalook Walrus Ivory Carving

Ronald Apangalook (Siberian Yupik/Tlingit, b. 1968) is one of the most highly regarded and widely collected ivory carvers in Alaska today. Known for his transformational Shaman figures, intricate amulets, and charming bears, Apangalook’s work draws heavily from his Siberian Yupik culture and home in Gambell, Alaska, on St. Lawrence Island. This piece features 11 Polar Bears carved in high relief from a single walrus tusk. The eyes and noses of the bears feature inlaid baleen. The overall form and structure of the imagery is reminiscent of Nunivak carved tusks and even Haida trade pipes that featured high relief carved figures interacting with one another. This tusk is a masterpiece of ivory sculpture and is among the larger pieces that Apangalook has created. There is a similar tusk in the permanent collection of the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska (see photo). Please note that this is one of two Apangalook tusks being offered by Cisco’s (see item number AK1274 for the other). 32" x 7"