Three Inuit Labrets (Alaska, 19th century or older)

“Boys begin to wear labrets in the shape of small nails when they reach puberty. Holes are pierced on either side of the lower lip, through which tiny labrets are inserted. The slightly flared end of the labret is worn inside the lip and rests against the lower teeth. Men wearing labrets resemble walrus, their tusks and labrets projecting from the corners of their mouths. The white gores sewn down the front of men’s parkas reinforce the image of tusked men” (quoted from ‘Inua:spirit world of thr Bering sea Eskimo’ by Fitzhugh & Kaplan p.146, ill. 169). Walrus tusk. On a custom made metal stand.
Dimensions of the three different items: 5,5 cm / 3cm / 2cm