Lot 114

Inuit Walrus Ivory Carving & Fossilized Mammoth Molar

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Lot 114
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Inuit Walrus Ivory Carving & Fossilized Mammoth Molar
Inuit Walrus Ivory Carving & Fossilized Mammoth Molar
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Inuit Walrus Ivory Carving & Fossilized Mammoth Molar

Estimate: $450 - $675

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 7, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

North America / Siberia, Pliocene to Pleistocene period, ca. 2.6 million to 10,000 years ago; Inuit culture, ca. 20th to 21st century CE. A compelling display of two relics from ancient environments: a weathered Inuit walrus ivory carving and a large mammoth molar fragment. The walrus ivory, carved in modern times with human faces framed by fur parka hoods, exhibits heavy age wear and patination, its surface darkened and cracked from long exposure, perhaps already entering the early stages of fossilization. Beside it, the mammoth molar fragment retains deeply worn enamel ridges, a record of both the animal's lifetime of use and the millennia of environmental weathering that followed. Size of molar: 4.25" L x 3" W x 2.5" H (10.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 6.4 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.

This item is made of or contains walrus ivory and is classified under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as an exempt piece. Due to federal and state regulations regarding the sale of ivory, this item cannot be shipped internationally or to individuals residing in the following U.S. states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Additionally, buyers are responsible for ensuring that their purchase complies with all local laws and regulations concerning ivory. We guarantee that this piece meets the criteria for an ESA antique exemption under U.S. Federal law, however, we advise buyers to consult with their local authorities to confirm their ability to legally acquire, possess, trade, or sell this item in your state of residence.

Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 197552

  • Condition: Molar tooth is a large fragmentary piece with heavy weathering and wear to enamel and losses to roots. Clear adhesive coating added to the surface to protect and stabilize. The walrus ivory carving has heavy weathering with brown patina and abraded surface texture. The carvings are intact and good condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000