VINTAGE FOSSILIZED ALASKAN WALRUS OOSIK with BALEEN

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VINTAGE POLISHED FOSSILIZED ALASKAN WALRUS OOSIK with BALEEN & Old Anchorage Gift Store Ad & Oosik Odes! ANCIENT POLISHED FOSSILIZED ALASKAN WALRUS OOSIK This Oosik has a beautiful light to dark brown ancient fossilized coloring and is capped at both ends with Baleen and Bone or Ivory. The color comes from minerals in the ground that are fossilizing the walrus bone . The smaller end looks to be bone and the larger end I am not sure, either bone or ivory, most likely bone. It doesn't look to have any unnatural cracks or chips in the oosik surface Approximate Dimensions: 11" Long and the Width tapers from 1' - ½" The baleen strips are ¼" wide The larger end cap of bone does have a slight crack near the baleen strip and the small end has a small piece missing from cap, but neither affect the integrity of this unusual piece. It's a very nice piece in great condition and was purchased by my mother in the early 1970's in Anchorage, in the same condition This piece comes with An Old Anchorage Gift Store Ad called the SURPRISE GIFT SHOP with the "ODE TO THE OOSIK" also included are 3 other printed vintage sheets with the ode poem The walrus bones have been collected on fee simple lands by Alaskan Natives. No antiquity laws apply. THIS ALASKA NATIVE ART IS A REAL CONVERSATION PIECE! So You Want to Know Just What the Heck is an Oosik ? Male Walrus penis bone The Oosik, or baculum (also penis bone , penile bone or os penis ) is a bone found in the penis of most mammals, but is absent in humans and others. The oosik of Native Alaskan cultures is usually polished and sometimes carved of various large northern carnivores such as walruses, it's a bone popular for carving and knife handles. Oosiks symbolize fertility and were traditionally given to couples as gifts to promote fertility. Oosiks also were used as hunting clubs. My mother, collected Northwest and Southwest Indian pieces. We are liquidating many things from my parents estate, just can't keep it all! The following poem defines the "Oosik" and has a fair amount of fact hidden amongst the fun...... ODE TO AN OOSIK Strange things have been done in the Midnight Sun, and the story books are full--- But the strangest tale concerns the male, magnificent walrus bull! I know it's rude, quite common and crude, Perhaps it is grossly unkind; But with first glance at least, this bewhiskered beast, is as ugly in front as behind. Look once again, take a second look -- then you'll see he's not ugly or vile -- T's a hint of a grin, in that blubbery chin -- and the eyes have a shy secret smile. How can this be, this clandestine glee that exudes from the walrus like music? He knows, t inside, beneath blubber and hide lies a splendid contrivance -- the Oosik! "Oosik" you say -- and quite well you may, I'll explain if you keep it between us; In the simplest truth, though rather uncouth "Oosik" is, in fact, his penis! Now the size alone of this walrus bone, would indeed arouse envious thinking -- It is also a fact, documented and backed, T is never a softening or shrinking! This, then, is why the smile is so sly, the walrus is rightfully proud. Though the climate is frigid, the walrus is rigid, Pray, why, is not man so endowed? Added to this, is a smile you might miss --- Though the bull is entitled to bow -- The one to out-smile our bull by a mile is the satisfied walrus cow! (Anonymous) Please refer to photos and ask any questions prior to bidding! I will only take Paypal, I am leaving shortly after item ends for 3 weeks and I want to get all auction items sent! Shipped USPS Priority Mail Insurance is REQUIRED if Final... read more

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