The creation of artwork using walrus tusk ivory is an ancient practice that stretches far back in time. The walrus was hunted by the indigenous peoples of the Artic region for its meat, skin and bones.
Walrus ivory carving and engraving has been practiced by ancient peoples of the Artic region for thousands of years.
These are not only the Inuit, Inupiaq and Yupik people, but the Chukchi and Koryak people of Russia too.
Walrus ivory carvings can be dated back to the time of the Vikings.
The Inuit’s place a great deal of importance on the walrus’ tusk and teeth and include it in many of their legends. One story tells of the Queen of the Underworld being able to transform herself into a walrus to rule from an underworld castle.
Ancient practices teaches us that every part of the animal is important.
Similarly, it is important that we treat every part of ourselves with the same attention, and don’t dismiss or leave anything out just because it is too insignificant.
The walrus is the keeper of knowledge being a master of its watery domain.
By wearing its ivory, we can achieve a higher sense of knowledge and self-awareness.
It assists us to become more reflective and focus on what is really important in life – the spiritual, not the material.
The walrus shows us the importance of having faith and how to re-find our spiritual path if it is lost.
Fossil ivory
Its armor is those impressive tusks, which the animal uses to drag its body out of the cold water and onto the ice.
However, within that power, the walrus celebrates the beauty within and spiritual enlightenment.
I use ancient fossil walrus ivory in my pieces. Collected from the North West coast, it carries the wisdom and deep memories of the ancient people of the North West and Puget Sound.
The wearer may be reminded of the journey their heart can take as it experiences a deeper understanding, the Nature of Love and how to release oneself from this materialistic world.
This piece, Wisdom of the Heart, will create serenity, balance and calm. The garnet at the end, combined with the silver feather grounds through the root to the Earth offering regenerative powers to the feminine.
