Bering Sea Yupik Eskimo Walrus Ivory Sinew or Thread Spool

Object Description

A Bering Sea Yupik Eskimo Walrus Ivory Sinew or Thread Spool ‘Nemrusvik’ of Anthropomorphic Form
19th Century

Size: 5.5cm high – 2 ins high

Object History

Provenance:
Ex Russian Private collection

Object Literature

Sinew from the legs or backs of caribou is a favourite thread for Yupik women to use in sewing. The sinew is dried, beaten and cleaned with small combs and the women divide it into strips which are then twisted or braided depending on their intended use. Prepared lengths of sinew are wrapped around spools or reels like this example and stored with other sewing equipment in a special bag called a ‘housewife’.

Object Details