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Aghveq"

by Charles Slwooko of St. Lawrence Island, North Bering Sea

Authentic Alaska Native Eskimo handicraft. It was carved and significantly transformed from marine mammal whalebone into Authentic Alaska Native Eskimo handicraft and signed by Alaska Native Eskimo artist Charles Slwooko.

This very nice Bowhead whale was carved from the rib bone of a whale by Charles Slwooko of Gambell, Alaska, a small Siberian Yup'ik Eskimo village of about 700 people on St. Lawrence Island; just south of the Bering Straits. Their Siberian Yup'ik language is spoken on both the U.S. and Russian side of the straits. It's about 140 miles off shore from Nome Alaska, and about 40 miles from Russia. On a clear day (which is rare) you can see the mountains of Russia. One of the most remote areas of the U.S Charles has carved for many years and is a master carver. He carves from ivory tusks of walrus, walrus bone and whalebone, and trims them with baleen from Bowhead whales. Much walrus ivory, walrus bone and whalebone are either dug up or found washed up on beaches after storms. Carving is a rich tradition for the Native Alaskan people on St. Lawrence Island; it helps sustain their proud ancient culture and way of life in a very remote and harsh area. Bowhead Whale or "Aghveq" - which is Bowhead Whale in the Siberian Yup'ik language. This Bowhead whale with a lot of character was carved from the rib bone of a whale found in the old village of Gambell. The rib bone is a very dense bone and makes a nice medium for carving. It was found in the old village of Gambell and had been buried for centuries and took on a nice tan patina. The eyes are inlaid baleen, a fibrous black material found in the mouth of Bowhead whales, they strain food through it. In the Siberian Yup'ik culture the Bowhead whale was the preferred whale as it relatively dossal when approached by hunters with spears. It was a source of food, tools and building materials. T are several old whalebone structures in the old village of Gambell still standing. The taking of a whale was a village affair, and was symbolic of the community of sharing. It took the cooperation of many to feed the village. Bowheads spend most of their lives in the Arctic seas. They have a massive bone structure on their heads for breaking through the ice. T are approximately 10,000 to 12,000 Bowhead whales in the North Arctic Ocean, and they produce approximately 350 to 400 calves each year. Care of bone includes avoiding hot dry locations, such as direct sun in a window or a heat register. Give it an occasional very light coating of mineral oil or baby oil, put it on a cloth or a Q-tip first. Remember, our pet dogs, cats and birds also like whalebone! Charles signed his initials on the bottom. The piece measures 4 1/4 inches long, 1 5/8 inches wide and 5/8 inches thick. This a real fine piece with a lot of character, he has a unique style of carving. It would make a great and unique gift (Christmas is coming!) from a very remote area of the U.S. Put in your maximum bid Now! (#242)

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