Engraved Whale Tooth
Arts of the Americas
On View: Arts of the Americas Galleries, 5th Floor
These two engraved objects, a walrus tusk and a sperm whale tooth, encapsulate aspects of Indigenous Arctic life, particularly the use of natural materials and the importance of hunting. The tusk is decorated with depictions of men hunting walrus in boats, of village huts, and of women preparing food. The tooth presents a variety of hunting scenes in which men chase a walrus, harpoon a whale, spear a bear, and aim bows and arrows at a caribou. One especially intriguing scene shows three men dancing and holding circular drums.
MEDIUM
Sperm whale tooth, black ash or graphite, oil
DATES
late 19th century
DIMENSIONS
6 1/2 x 3 x 2 in. (16.5 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
20.895
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Robert B. Woodward
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Sperm whale tooth with engraved images depicting various aspects of hunting, fishing, and daily life. The scenes include animals such as walrus, bears, whales, fishes and dogs. The incised designs are filled with black pigment.
Condition: fair and stable with some material loss towards wide end of the tooth.
CAPTION
Native Alaskan. Engraved Whale Tooth, late 19th century. Sperm whale tooth, black ash or graphite, oil, 6 1/2 x 3 x 2 in. (16.5 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Robert B. Woodward, 20.895. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 20.895_left.jpg)
IMAGE
left, 20.895_left.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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we welcome any additional information you might have.
Why are three pieces of Alaskan art paired with a piece from Brazil?
Great question! The installation is by theme and use rather than country of origin.
What is the theme for this case?
The theme is talismans and charms. The necklaces may have been worn by a shaman or medicine man. Images of animals on the Tukano necklace from Brazil acknowledges the important relationship between humans and animals. All three pieces are made from natural materials found within these specific regions.
There is a case of musical instruments from different countries nearby that keeps with the concept of themes within the exhibition.
Okay, I'll check that out, thank you!
You're welcome!
