Sea Otter Clay Amulet

Sea otters are of great importance to hunters and dwellers of the Chugach Region. Sea otter fur is dense and warm -- perfect for winter clothes. According to traditional belief, the sea otter was actually a man that was lookng for chitons when he got caught by the tide and transformed into a sea otter. Respect for the sea otter's spirit manefests in many ways -- including the tradition that hunters must sink sea otter bones in the ocean or burry them on shore. The incised ribs and spines depicts these bones and the important treatment they deserve. It was also believed that the sea otter's soul was located in its bones. Hunting amulets highlighted this belief by often being carved to depict sea otter bones in an effort to pay respect to the soul of the animal that was giving itself to the hunters. Amulets such as the one held by Chugachmiut were typically carved out of ivory and used for good luck and could be fasted to the inside of a qayaq. 

Crowell, Aron L, Amy F. Steffian, and Gordon L. Pullar. Looking Both Ways: Heritage and Identity of the Alutiiq People. Fairbanks: Univ. of Alaska Press, 2001. Pg 163

Similar Artifacts:

Sea Otter Amulet, The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/313094 

Amulet or Charm, The National Museum of Natural History: https://www.si.edu/object/nmnhanthropology_8348741