"Jaw Bone Biddarka" Carving On Soapstone by Ron Ekemo
"Jaw Bone Biddarka" Carving On Soapstone by Ron Ekemo
| Ship To | Cost | With Another Item |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $27.50 | $0.00 |
Delivery Options
Send a hint
Description
* Certificate & Artist Information Included.
Height: 10"
Soapstone is much softer than granite or even marble. The talc content of soapstone gives it a rating of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Because of this, it is easily carved.
Alabaster is a mineral or rock that is soft, often used for carving, and is processed for plaster powder. Both types of alabaster have similar properties. They are usually lightly colored, translucent, and soft stones. They have been used throughout history primarily for carving decorative artifacts.
This sculpture has been crafted in the tradition of the North, utilizing natural whalebone material obtained in rural Alaska. Before the introduction of lumber and other building supplies, whalebone was a critical construction material in the treeless arctic environment. It was used for house frames, sleds, utensils and tools. As a sculpting material, it was made into dolls, charms, fetishes, and masks.
Some of the whalebone currently used for sculpting is found in ancient hunting sites or in natural
“washups” of the giant skeletons and skulls found on the beaches. This type of mineralized bone ranges in age from several hundred to perhaps thousands of years old.
Today, artists use whalebone due to the interesting textures, shapes, and special qualities not found in other materials. Whalebone sculptures are also highly imaginative and innovative. Often, the design is simply an extension of the natural shape of the bone.
As carvers continue to create artwork from this intriguing material, whalebone will always stand out as a truly unique art form.
Soapstone is a “steatite,” a precious form of soft stone that is highly valued as a carving medium, but is also used in baby powder, paints, and rubber. Deposits can be found from around the world, in colors ranging from brown, blue, green, and red depending on the mineral content.
Meet the Owner
View Store Page
Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts
More from Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts
You May Also Like from Ketchikan
Recently Viewed
Offered by 57 Peaks
Wolf 2 Unisex Hoodie
The Native wolf symbol represents loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding, and intelli...
Offered by The Great Alaskan Bowl Company
Hand-made Apple Shaped Wine Bottle Holder
For that extra special bottle of celebration, or to set off your kitchen with a touch of Alaskan personality, look no fu...
Offered by Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts
"Jaw Bone Biddarka" Carving On Soapstone by Ron Ekemo
* Certificate & Artist Information Included. Height: 10" Soapstone is much softer than granite or even marble. The...
Offered by Wicked Awesome Craftinators
Caribou Roaming the Tundra
This product is approximately 12 x 24 piece of birchwood veneer. Each piece is done by laser and wood burning. Most pi...
Offered by Daniel Firmin Designs
Copper Knife Pendant On Sinew Cord
Made in Alaska by Alaska Native artist Daniel Firmin of Juneau, Alaska.
Offered by JK Jewelry
Pearl Freshwater Earrings
What Are Freshwater Pearls? Freshwater pearls are created by freshwater mussels in lakes, rivers, and ponds. These pe...
Offered by Mendenhall Glacier Studio and Gallery
Original Mixed Media Painting
Original Mixed Media Painting. 20x20 inches on 1.5 inch deep gallery wrapped canvas. This painting is by Juneau Artist...
Offered by Tide Watcher
Herring Wooden Ornament
This iconic image of two herring facing each other was created from an original called "Love, Herring" by Christine. Th...
Offered by 10 Cups of Tea
Alaskan Music Folk, Metaphore Single, CD Format
Metaphor was written together with a fellow soldier and good friend, Jay Treadway. Back in 2002 we were both stationed i...
Offered by Misbehaving Magpie
Copper wire and glass bead earrings
Hammered copper swirls dangle under a faceted glass bead. Choose green, purple, or orange bead color at checkout.
Join our newsletter
We'll send you 1x/mo updates on local Alaska and The Bahamas as well as holiday promos, available only via email
We care about your data in our privacy policy.
Why Voyij.com
The largest selection of unique and different
Shop gifts and activities from your favorite travel destinations
Personalized service and trip planning help
From locals who live here
Shop local
Thank you for supporting small businesses!