Ivory Cormorant Figure by Robert McCoy

This ivory cormorant figure is hand-carved by Siberian Yup'ik artist, Robert McCoy, from Gambell Alaska. It is made from walrus ivory and features a whale baleen beak with whale baleen inlays for the eyes. The base of this figure is made from whalebone.

More about whalebone:

Whalebone can be identified by its incredibly porous texture. It has traditionally been used by the Iñupiat people of Alaska's north coast to construct houses, carve masks, and even used as firewood. Whales are protected in the United States by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and only Alaska Natives are allowed to hunt them. The whale hunt remains central to Iñupiat social structure today. Inupiat people hunt whales for subsistence and sell bone carvings to supplement their income. Only after the bone has been carved or otherwise significantly altered, it is legal to sell or trade in the United States. 

Dimensions: 15" H x 6.63" L x 4.25" W