Exhibitions: Living Legacies: The Arts of the Americas

Engraved Whale Tooth. Eskimo artist (late 19th century), Alaska. Sperm whale tooth, black ash or graphite, oil. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Robert B. Woodward, 20.895

This engraved tooth depicts several scenes of men hunting: chasing a huge walrus, harpooning a whale, spearing a bear, and aiming bows and arrows at a caribou. One of the most intriguing scenes shows three men dancing and holding circular drums. Two of the men wear bushy foxtails, which were considered quite fashionable.

Return

Location: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052
Telephone: (718) 638-5000; TTY: (718) 399-8440
Admission: Suggested Contribution: $8; Students with Valid ID: $4; Adults 62 and over: $4; Members: Free; Children under 12: Free
Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Get detailed hours
Subway: Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum Get detailed directions

Copyright
Rights and Reproductions
Privacy Policy
General Disclaimer