oosik
Epic Contributor
Occasionally you might be so lucky to find one of these "items" in one of the more exotic/expensive tourist gift shop in Anchorage. Federal law requires that the "item" MUST be worked on by a native and sold as a cultural icon. So - it's either as a cribbage board or decorated with elaborate scrimshaw or both. Never in its raw state.
They are ALWAYS called an oosik - never what they really are. Example - walrus or hair seal baculum. There is usually a small tag attached explaining what they are and what animal they came from.
It's a real blast to visit one of these shops and see a prim and proper lady read the tag. A great big - OH, and the red face that follows.
Don't feel that you are alone. I would venture that 99 out of 100 people have never heard of this item. Much less ever seen one.
They are ALWAYS called an oosik - never what they really are. Example - walrus or hair seal baculum. There is usually a small tag attached explaining what they are and what animal they came from.
It's a real blast to visit one of these shops and see a prim and proper lady read the tag. A great big - OH, and the red face that follows.
Don't feel that you are alone. I would venture that 99 out of 100 people have never heard of this item. Much less ever seen one.