Large whale bone carving of a seated drummer

Large whale bone carving of a seated drummer with an ivory face featuring a seated male figure carved from a porous but dense piece of whale bone. Head raised and eyes tightly closed. His right forearm is positioned horizontally across the body, the left forearm is raised, and his legs are crossed underneath. The ivory face is inset into the parka hood with the lips animated as if singing. The hairline straight across the forehead. He holds a drum (frame) in the right hand and a slightly curved beater stick in the left hand, both of which are made of ivory. Carved by famous artist Ronald Apangalook or Qaygehutkaq ("Put on Top") and inscribed "QAY" at the bottom near the edge. Yupik Eskimo.

PERIOD: Last Half 20th Century

ORIGIN: Arctic - Eskimo, Native American

SIZE: 18.7cm