Please respect that Yupik Inuit natives living in the inhospitable environment of St. Lawrence Island in the frigid waters and icy temperatures of the Bering Sea, subsist on sea life. After the nutrients have been shared with the community, remaining debris is discarded. It may be buried in the tundra or washed away by turbulent seas.
This flotsam and detritus is prized by native carvers and is believed to retain spiritual powers.

In accordance with international treaties, objects that include marine mammal residue, even ossified material, may only be shipped outside the USA with a Federal permit. The states of California, New Jersey and New York also have restrictions on such shipments. It is wise to check your state’s rules before ordering if you have any concerns.

We acquired this beautiful carving in 2004. Sadly, we later learned that Nowpakahok, a Yupik Eskimo who was mayor of Gambell, AK at the time, was lost at sea in 2005 during stormy conditions whilst trying to secure food for his family and community.