Snow Goggles

5th–10th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
These sleek snow goggles were worn by a hunter for sun protection in the Arctic region, where they were preserved in permafrost soils. The goggles are finely sculpted from driftwood to conform to the face of the wearer. The image of the eyes and a nose are inlaid with walrus ivory, injecting the goggles with the animal’s power in order to better focus the vision of the wearer in procuring another kill.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Snow Goggles
  • Artist: Unrecorded Ipiutak artist
  • Date: 5th–10th century
  • Geography: United States, Alaska, Point Hope
  • Culture: Ipiutak
  • Medium: Wood, walrus ivory
  • Dimensions: H. 1 1/2 × W. 4 3/4 × D. 1 in. (3.8 × 12.1 × 2.5 cm)
  • Classifications: Wood-Implements, Bone/Ivory-Implements
  • Credit Line: Collection of Charles and Valerie Diker (774)
  • Rights and Reproduction: Image © Charles and Valerie Diker Collection/Photo: Dirk Bakker
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing