Product Overview
This basket was handwoven by Marilyn Hank Otton of Point Hope, Alaska. It is made of whale baleen and walrus ivory. Only Alaskan Natives from the Yupik and Inupiat tribes are allowed by the Federal government to work on the baleen. The finial on top is a whale tail carved from walrus ivory. The basket is approximately 5" in diameter and 5.5" high.
Marilyn is a very respected and well-known baleen basket weaver throughout Alaska and the Northwest Coast. She learned how to weave from her parents, Eunice and Carl Hank, who were also expert basket weavers. Eunice and Carl learned to weave in Point Hope, but later moved to Barrow, Alaska.
Continuing the family legacy, Marilyn in turn has taught her sons Harry and John Hank the art of baleen basket weaving. Her meticulously woven, beautiful baskets can be found in private collections and fine art galleries spanning the globe.
