Inuit Carved Fossilized Whale Bone Mask Olin Dows 1933 woodcut --that are most fragile

--that are most fragile

which I believe likely dates to the 1830s or so

Otherwise all in very good condition and really lovely

was stained/painted with what I'd describe as a sort of white wash

I believe Snip is the name of the long-legged

Inuit Carved Fossilized Whale Bone Mask Olin Dows 1933 woodcut --that are most fragileThis is the second Inuit mask I've found carved of fossilized whale bone, which I always have an eye out for this one unsigned and the age of which I am not certain, though I would guess mid 20th century Native Alaskan Inuit, likely specifically Iupiat. These are often referred to as spirit masks, this one with what appears to be branching tree carved into the forehead, like an all seeing eye of the natural world. The lighter color and smooth texture