Ancient Eyak Talisman III With Inlay Opal

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

The Eyak are the least populous Native American group in Alaska. They traditionally lived at the mouth of the Copper River Delta where they lived off the rich salmon runs and wildlife of the Delta. Their territory runs along the Gulf of Alaska from the Copper River Delta to Icy Bay. Oral tradition tells us that the Eyak moved from the interior of Alaska via the Copper River or over the Bering Glacier.

In 1972, a number of rather interesting Eyak Talismans had been unearthed by a Southeast Alaskan Native American. All of the originals had a piece of shimmering baleen inlaid into a twilight colored section of Fossil Walrus Ivory that, itself, shimmered with iridescence. Such pieces were worn as Talismans, to be used when the Aurora Borealis was particularly low in the sky. Each piece was held tightly in the hand to protect the wearer against the powerful spirits of the Aurora. We took pictures of them hoping to someday find another piece of Fossil Ivory that resembled them.

Each of our new Eyak Talismans is designed around just such a piece we recently cut. Our Eyak Talisman III is made with 2500 year old naturally-shaped Fossil Walrus Ivory with its own light-and-dark gray iridescence. It has a striking white line just inside its lower right hand border, and is naturally framed in black ivory bark, as were the originals. To represent the baleen inlay, we have inset a round piece of brilliant blue/green opal.

A strikingly beautiful and interesting piece which will not only garner favorable comments whenever you wear it, but it will help to make you stronger in the face of the unknown. 1 3/8 inches high, 3/8 inch wide.

This is a one-of-a-kind Talisman.

Complete with Sterling Silver chain.