A piece of ivory scrimshaw, with a polar bear on it. Perhaps made from Walrus tusk. Can't make out the name, wondering if anyone knows who the artist is and the value.
I can't quite make out the name either. The details I can make out Ed "******K* doesn't bring any familiar (well known) artists to mind and I can't find anything in the current listings for Alaska native artists either, unfortunately with the ammounts of artists past and present many are forgotten. Most of these pieces were done by Native Alaskan's living in small villages as a vital source of income and as a past time in the very long winters. Only the Natives are legally allowed to hunt certain species and purchase/sell certain animal products (walrus, seal, whale etc.). I live in Alaska and pieces such as this are sold throughout the state by retailers and also come up at local auction quite frequently. Considering the size of the piece and the quality of work, I would expect it to bring $40-85 at auction and up to $100-150 or so on the retail market. Thanks for sharing.
Hope this helps. I did my research and this is what i found
Lincoln Edward Milligrock Died July 12th 2010 at alaska native medical center in anchorage alaska
Born April 14 1931. Lincoln lived in Alaska all his life. He was a Skillful hunter and ivory carver becoming well known both locally and worldwide. The signature on Your Piece is His. ED, Milligrock
Re: Scrimshaw Polar Bear
I can't quite make out the name either. The details I can make out Ed "******K* doesn't bring any familiar (well known) artists to mind and I can't find anything in the current listings for Alaska native artists either, unfortunately with the ammounts of artists past and present many are forgotten. Most of these pieces were done by Native Alaskan's living in small villages as a vital source of income and as a past time in the very long winters. Only the Natives are legally allowed to hunt certain species and purchase/sell certain animal products (walrus, seal, whale etc.). I live in Alaska and pieces such as this are sold throughout the state by retailers and also come up at local auction quite frequently. Considering the size of the piece and the quality of work, I would expect it to bring $40-85 at auction and up to $100-150 or so on the retail market. Thanks for sharing.
Re: Scrimshaw Polar Bear
Hello,
Hope this helps. I did my research and this is what i found
Lincoln Edward Milligrock Died July 12th 2010 at alaska native medical center in anchorage alaska
Born April 14 1931. Lincoln lived in Alaska all his life. He was a Skillful hunter and ivory carver becoming well known both locally and worldwide. The signature on Your Piece is His. ED, Milligrock