E0261: Inuit- Cribbage Board

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0261

Classification Category:

9:Recreational Artifacts ➞ Game

Materials:

animal ➔ ivory

Dimensions:

28 cm L
5 cm W
3 cm H

Provenance of Object:

This object was held in the museum that Luther College started in 1877. This museum eventually grew into the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, and following this, non-Norwegian American ethnographic objects were returned to Luther and accessioned into the college’s Anthropology Collection. Without additional documentation, was likely obtained by the Luther College Museum (later the Norwegian-American Museum) between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Use/Function:

"The Inuit began to make more objects specifically to sell to European whalers in the 19th century. This included highly decorative pipes and walrus tusk cribbage boards, like this one. Still considered some of the finest examples of Inuit work, this tradition of excellence in craft continues among modern-day Inuit."- To the Cage and Back Exhibit

Source Locality:

Alaska, USA

Description:

Cribbage board made from one half of a walrus tusk. Several details and carvings on the surface.

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