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HISTORY / MATERIALS
Arctic Traveler's Gift Shop 201 Cushman St. Fairbanks, AK. 99701 Phone: (907) 456-7080 Email: info@arctictravelersgiftshop.com
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OOSIK Oosik (pronounced "ou'sick") is the Eskimo work for the walrus penile bone (baculum). These sturdy articles can be up to three feet long. Large ones were used as clubs by the Eskimo or used for making tools because the bone is so dense. They are an excellent conversation piece and the rich natural colors enhance its appeal to collectors everywhere. They became trade items in the 1949s on King Island when bored GI's stationed on the island asked Native carvers to carve animal heads on the oosik ends. Fran Tate, a Barrow, Alaska restaurant owner, presented Johnnie Carson with one on his show. OOSIK—its a walrus thing.
Back to Art Information Back to Oosik Gallery
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