"Growing Goodness": An Alaska Native Collection at Oberlin College

Walrus Ivory Bead or Belt Toggle





 

4.85 cm length x 2-3.25 cm width x 2-2.5 cm depth
Walrus ivory

Norton Sound, Alaska (Iñupiaq or Yup’ik), c. 1876
Collector: L. M. Turner
Museum ID: TUR.C1.r.4600

While the holes on either side of the piece indicate that it was probably strung onto a necklace, the bead was most likely part of a fire-starting kit. The closed end would be placed in the mouth and a stick would be inserted into the open end. A fire-starting bow would be used to spin the stick rapidly to create friction and catch the tinder on fire. This bead also could have been used as a toggle-like belt fastener.  Belt buckles demonstrate the carving skills and creativity of their makers. Many contain symbolism referencing the supernatural world. Belt fasteners and other special belts were passed down through family and gained increased ceremonial and potentially curative powers with use by each successive generation.

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