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.

Upon examination of the provided images and details, this hand-carved walrus sculpture by Walter Slwooko, dated 1979, presents as a fine example of Alaskan Native art. The piece appears to be in excellent condition, consistent with its age. The ivory exhibits a natural, creamy patina with no visible cracks, chips, or repairs. The detailed texturing of the skin and the incised, pigmented details on the whiskers and flippers are hallmarks of skilled craftsmanship and are consistent with known works by Slwooko. The signature and date are crucial for attribution. The market for authentic, legally-sourced Alaskan Native ivory carvings remains strong, particularly for recognized artists like Walter Slwooko. Demand is driven by collectors of Inuit and Native American art. Smaller, well-executed pieces like this are highly accessible to a broad range of collectors. While prices for larger or more complex works by Slwooko can reach several thousand dollars, smaller cabinet-sized sculptures typically trade in the high hundreds to low thousands. A significant factor impacting its value is the material—ivory. Its sale and transport are subject to strict regulations (e.g., CITES, Marine Mammal Protection Act), which can affect marketability. The value provided assumes the ivory is pre-act marine mammal ivory (walrus) and can be legally sold within the United States. However, this appraisal is limited by the inability to physically inspect the piece. A full authentication would require in-person examination to confirm the material is genuine walrus ivory and not a substitute like bone or synthetic material. I would also need to verify the signature against known examples and review any provenance documentation, such as original receipts or certificates of authenticity, to definitively confirm its origin and legality.