I found a small 2 inch pendant on a leather necklace today at a thrift store, and it looks very much like this photo. My curiosity led me to look at it carefully. It is heavy for the size. (not plastic) Ivory? It looked to me authentic.... the price $2.
I searched quite a bit, and then I found what I needed, it is real Walrus tusk ivory. It is an authentic Alaskan Native, and possibly handcrafted by Inuit people.
The carving of Billikens by Alaskan Natives began in the early 1900's and continues to the present. They are whimsical smiling creatures that are said to bring good luck.
Authentic Alaskan Eskimo Billikens
Alaska's Good Luck Billiken Charm
The Billiken is considered Alaska's good luck charm and first appeared around 1909. Billikens come in many different sizes and are crafted from various materials. The favorite medium is ancient walrus ivory, much of it thousands of years old. Billikens come in many forms such as pendants, earrings, key chains, and larger self-standing show pieces.
For your billiken to bring you luck, always remember this billiken charm:
"Rub his tummy, tickle his toes, good luck follows wherever he goes. As a blues chaser he's a honey, for good luck, just rub his tummy."
This is from the Alaskan Fur Exchange website.
