Whalebone Inuit Whimsy with Carved Tool Motifs

Description:

Whalebone Inuit Whimsy with Carved Tool Motifs, 19th century, chain of nine spirally and cylindrically-carved sections linked by rings, decorated with two carved walruses and six miniature bone woodworking tools, including jack-knife, tendon saw, and axe, lg. 52 in., (end section chipped).

Provenance: By family descent, possibly from Charles B. Wilson of New Hampshire, a lieutenant commander and quartermaster of the Union during the Civil War. He was later involved in the construction of the elevated railway in Chicago.
Estimate $500-700

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