Description:

Arctic shores, ca. 5000 years ago. The walrus is an iconic Arctic animal, famous for having the largest baculum (known to native peoples in the Arctic as an "oosik") of all animals. This example presents a rich, deep brown hue, with the bone structure clear at the widest part of the bone. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.6" W x 13.3" H (4.1 cm x 33.8 cm); height on stand: 16.1" H (40.9 cm).

The baculum is a bone found in the penis of many placental mammals, including some primates, which aids in maintaining erectness during sexual reproduction. Fossilized bacula, which can be as long as 2' (60 cm), are often polished and used as clubs by native Alaskan cultures - they take these from sea lions, seals, polar bears, and, like this one, walruses. This is a beautiful example.

Provenance: Ex-Vaught Collection, Atlanta, GA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#120265

  • Condition: Bone is smooth from polishing; fossilization process is not quite complete and the bone has not fully turned to mineral.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 2, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000