Title: Care of Inuit Carvings – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 6/9 - Canada.ca
Headings: Care of Inuit Carvings – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 6/9
Care of Inuit Carvings – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 6/9
Introduction
The materials
Stone
Bone
Ivory
Baleen
Care, handling, and display of Inuit sculpture
Stone
Bone and ivory
Baleen
Other associated materials
Repairing damaged carvings
The artist’s intent
Bibliography
Copies are also available in French.
Texte également publié en version française.
© Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute, 2016

Content: All ivory is essentially tooth material. Walrus ivory is characterized by an outer layer of creamy dentine and an inner layer of secondary dentine, which has a crystalline appearance. If you look carefully, you can usually make out both the secondary and regular dentine layers in most Inuit walrus ivory carvings (Figure 2). © Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. CCI 120279-0003
Figure 2. Walrus ivory: longitudinal section showing inner secondary dentine surrounded by outer layer of dentine. Narwhale tusks — the fabled “unicorn” horn — are unmistakable due to their length (up to 2.5 m) and their characteristic twist. Sperm whale tooth is much smaller, up to about 15 cm, and usually is slightly curved (consult CCI Note 6/1 Care of Ivory, Bone, Horn and Antler ). Baleen
Baleen is a stiff but flexible material that hangs from the upper jaws of many kinds of whales.