Walrus ivory

Walrus-ivory carving and engraving has been an important folk art for people of the Arctic since prehistoric times, among them the Inuit, Inupiaq and Yupik of Greenland and North America and the Chukchi and Koryak of Russia.

During Soviet times, several walrus carving collectives were established in villages in Chukotka, notably Uelen.

King Alfred the Great of Wessex records that he was presented with walrus tusks by the Viking trader Ohthere of Hålogaland in about 890, which may mark the start of this trade.

Initially large walrus herds were found much further south than is the case today, and it is likely that their hunting for ivory greatly impacted on populations.

Around 1260, at the start of the Gothic period, elephant ivory began to reach Europe again, and the industry greatly increased.