Ben Pungowiyi - Walrus Ivory Artist

Ben Pungowiyi is a walrus ivory artist from the village of Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island.
He was raised by his grandfather who also was a carver. At the age of six, Ben carved his first piece of walrus ivory - a seal that took about a week to complete. The seal was later sold at the market, giving Ben a great sense of pride that he produced something to help support his family. Ben has gone on to become a master carver, using hand tools as well as motorized tools to create intricate carvings that tell the story of his Native heritage and way of life.