FAQs by Dennis Pungowiyi

Most traditionally, pieces are an amalgamation of several elements including but not limited to: Walrus Ivory, Whale Bone and Baleen, and often are accented with Natural Agate amongst other locally and ethically sourced items from Saint Lawrence Island, Alaska.

As an Alaskan Native, I hold exclusive privilege to participate in the Spring hunt. When I'm unable to make it to a hunt, I buy from local Alaskan Native subsistence hunters.

I learned from my family members and older friends, as this is a longstanding tradition that's been passed on through many generations of Alaskan Native families from Saint Lawrence Island, Alaska. Additionally, I've taken "Native Art and Culture" classes throughout High School.

It all varies on the pieces. It can take as little as an hour to as long as several days, just depends on if it’s something new to me. It takes time to figure it out or bigger pieces with more details. Most pieces I have listed on my site I’ve been doing for years and the process can go very quickly.

Yes. We Alaskan Natives live a very subsistence-based lifestyle on Saint Lawrence Island. Walrus is a great meat source and nothing goes to waste. The Ivory obtained is just a byproduct that allows us get back out to subsistence-hunt for food.

Yes. No part of the animals used for artwork ever goes to waste. Walrus is one of our Main meat sources on Saint Lawrence Island. We hunt for food, and whatever is leftover is then turned into artwork to sell and maintain our Alaskan Native way of life.