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Billiken

Culture
Iñupiaq artist
Date
mid- 20th century
Material
Ivory, gold, and pigment
made in
Alaska, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Ivories, sculpture
Collection
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location
On View, Gallery 326
Dimensions
1 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 1 1/8 in. (3.2 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Marisa Longrais Human
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
243:2019
NOTES
The rounded form, pointed head, and impish grin help identify this figure as a billiken. Developed by a Kansas City art teacher in 1908, the billiken character circulated widely in American popular culture. It inspired songs such as the "Billiken Rag" and became the mascot for sports teams including the athletics program of Saint Louis University. Through the 20th century, the billiken remained a mainstay in the repertoire of Alaska Native artists who created sculpture for sale to collectors and travelers. A gold nugget inlaid in the belly distinguishes this work.

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