Figurine en ivoire, île Saint-Laurent, Côte nord-ouest, culture d'Okvik, 250 av. JC – 100 ap. JC

sculptée en forme d'ourson polaire, la tête légèrement tournée vers le ciel. Très grande finesse dans la gravure des traits du visage, le corps orné de motifs géométriques – rayons, cercles et sillons.

Very good original condition.
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Cette figurine constitue un très bel exemple de la culture d'Okvik, qui s'est épanouie entre 250 av. J.C. et 100 ap. J.C. sur l'île Saint Laurent. Les objets témoins de cette culture ont été découverts par les habitants de l'île dans les années 1920, puis lors de fouilles dans les années 1930. Ils sont considérés comme les chefs-d'œuvre de l'art préhistorique de la région.

An Okvik ivory figure, St. Laurence Island, Northwest Coast,  circa 200 B.C. - 100 A.D.

This figure is a fine example of the Okvik culture, which flourished between 250 B.C. and 100 A.D. on St. Lawrence Island. Objects made by the Okvik were first discovered by the island's inhabitants in the 1920s, and then again in the 1930s during excavation work. They are considered to be the masterpieces of the region's pre-historic art.