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North America Inuit peoples, Alaska Toggle in the Form of a Figure Nineteenth century (?) Sperm-whale ivory H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm) Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection The hole through this object and wear patterns around it indicate that it was a toggle, a device used to fasten garments or bags together by means of a double cord that passed through the holes. Miniature figures of people and animals are common and may relate to a belief that the soul of any creature, whether animal or human, is a miniature version of that creature and resides in its bladder. |
