Bidspirit auction | Inupiaq Oosik w/ Mammal Face

Inupiaq Oosik w/ Mammal Face Carving - Inuit Inupiaq oosik or baculum with carved organic material finial of a mammal face with incised and pigmented details. The finial along the tapered end depicting a geometric design. Signed indistinctly and inscribed ”Wales, AK.” With a custom and welded stand. Provenance: Heard Museum, Arizona; Private Collection, New York. (With stand) Height: 4 1/2 in x width: 15 in x depth: 2 in. Condition: The oosik appears to have mineralized and coated in a varnish. The smaller finial is loose. There is an area of discoloration, possibly from residual adhesive, along the edges of the larger finial. Some wear from stand rests.