FREE: Antique Walrus Tusk BILLIKEN Figurine Hand Carved by Native American Inuit Peoples Gorgeous Patina

The listing, Antique Walrus Tusk BILLIKEN Figurine Hand Carved by Native American Inuit Peoples Gorgeous Patina has ended.

Up for consideration is a wonderful antique ivory billiken. A billiken is basically a good luck charm created in 1908 by Florence Pretz, an art teacher and illustrator. In Alaska in 1909, the Inuit Eskimos began carving small billiken figurines out ivory, mostly walrus tusks and sperm whale teeth. Billikens became a big part of their economy although they weren't much fun to carve. Billikens are still carved today and they can be quite pricey.

The billiken that I have here today is a beautiful example of an antique walrus tusk carving. What's really nice about it is the beautiful patina that the ivory has. It has a nice marbled buttery color. This billiken was carved in Alaska sometime in the first quarter of the 20th century. It is in excellent antique condition with no flaws. The billiken is 2" high by 1 7/8" wide.

Shipping is free to Listia-verified addresses only. If you've got questions then please ask them. From a smoke-free home with two great pups.

Thanks for viewing my auction.