Eskimo Artifacts: Designed for Use [SOLD]

From the Outside Cover:

IMAGINE A LAND of diametric opposites: total darkness for a good part of the year, perpetual light for much of the balance; gale-scoured blue ice giving way to soggy, bottomless tundra; enshrouding mists, then shadowless sun. This is the land of the historic Eskimo, who for centuries has inhabited the shores of the Arctic seas, the Aleutian Peninsula and Islands. His life was harsh and elemental, surely; yet his unquenchable spirit molded to the land so that the Eskimo not only survived, developing the wiles of the creatures he hunted, but also created a unique culture.

And always, whether it was in construction of the tools basic to his rugged, nomadic life or in the creation of the special trappings of ceremony, the Eskimo made exquisite use of the natural resources available to him. The result was artifacts which were completely functional as well as works of art.

The Eskimo artifacts displayed and described in this book were selected from those collected over a lifetime by the authors, who sought first to preserve these priceless objects from decay or thoughtless handling and, second, to share this treasure with all those interested in the lore of the North or in purity of design.

Most of the artifacts shown date prior to the 20th century; many are prehistoric. Salon-quality photos in large size were chosen so that the artifacts could be shown actual size; or, where that was impractical, sections are shown actual size for greater clarity of detail on the workmanship.