While dolls are generally made as playthings and teaching tools for young children to acquire their much needed adult skills, they are often beautiful objects in their own right. This finely carved torso and head is decorated with delicate features: a subtle brow and nose are carved into the wood, and the eyes, ears, and mouth are well-fitted pieces of ivory. It is further adorned with elegant agluarutet, earrings that connect under the chin. Interestingly, both men and women wore fancy earrings of this style. Yup’ik dolls generally have no arms or separate extremities, making them both easier to dress and less likely to break during play or travel. The presence of the ivory ears, protruding from the head, along with the fine jewelry point to this doll being loved and cared for, a treasured item.