A variety of highly refined crafts express the unique cultural traditions of Native Alaskan peoples. Commonly known as ìEskimoî, the Yupik and Inupiat people of Northern Alaska have been subsistence hunters relying on local species for thousands of years. These local animals provide the materials from which are fashioned exceptional works of art. The tusks of the Pacific walrus provide ivory which carvers transform into amazingly realistic images of animals. Walrus, seal, polar bears and arctic whales are favorite subjects, but we also see birds, otters, woolly mammoth, wolf, moose and many others. Hunters waiting at seal breathing holes and whaling from kayaks are also depicted in ivory. Old pieces of whalebone collected from shorelines are also used by carvers, often for larger scale pieces. More recently soapstone has become popular with several carvers as well as with collectors. Other items include hoop masks, dolls, and the highly sought after baleen basketry. Woven from the baleen plates of the toothless species of whales, these baskets are produced by a very small number of artists, and are a truly unique form of artistic expression.

Price ranges on items from Alaska are from about $30 into $1000's, with something to fit everyoneís budget. Please contact the shop for its current selection/special requests. For further reading on Alaskan arts and crafts, see our publication section of available books