Joe Kunnuk - Alaska Native Walrus Ivory Artist

Originally born in King Island, Joe (Anatuq) Kunnuk moved 90 miles southeast to Nome in 1956 where he continues to live today. When he was nine or 10 years old, Joe’s dad gave him a walrus tooth and a file, and said it was time to learn how to carve. Rather than receiving lessons, Joe learned his skills by watching others. His first carving was a polar bear made of walrus ivory. Joe grew up using carvings to pay for his family’s groceries and bills. It was such a customary tradition that he hadn’t seen cash until he was a teenager.
Joe takes great pride in walrus harvest and hopes carving can continue for many generations to come.