Walrus Sculpture Appraisal

Hand-Carved Alaskan Native Walrus Sculpture by Walter Slwooko

This is a hand-carved ivory sculpture depicting a walrus, created by Alaskan Native artist Walter Slwooko in 1979. The piece is relatively small, fitting comfortably in the palm of a hand, suggesting it's likely a decorative carving or a cabinet piece. It is crafted from a single piece of ivory, exhibiting a creamy white to very light yellowish hue, characteristic of aged ivory. The surface of the walrus's body is intricately textured with numerous small, raised nodules, mimicking the rough appearance of a walrus's skin. The head features carved eyes and a prominent, broad muzzle area with incised lines and a darker pigmentation, possibly charcoal or ink, to represent the coarse bristles or whiskers. Two distinct, elongated tusks curve downwards from the snout. The flippers are well-defined, with incised lines and similar darker pigmentation to indicate digits or claws. The overall form is smooth and rounded at the base, allowing it to stand upright stably. The carving demonstrates excellent craftsmanship, with careful attention to detail in the anatomical features and surface texture, indicating the artist's skill and intimate knowledge of the subject matter. The ivory appears to be in good condition, with a natural patina consistent with its age. There are no immediately visible signs of cracks, chips, or significant repairs, which speaks to its quality and preservation. The inscription of the artist's name and date (Walter Slwooko 1979) is a crucial identifying mark, providing provenance and confirming its creation period.