Silver Ulu earrings by Jonas Faber

Ulu

For centuries the ULU (pronounced oo'loo) knife has played an important part in the survival of Arctic native people.
Around 2500-1900 B.C. the ULU made its present day appearance. Blades were made of polished slate and given a bone handle. Its primary purpose was for skinning and cleaning fish and sea mammals.

As time progressed, Eskimos began decorating their ULU's by carving animals or scenes of native life on the bone or ivory handles. Today, Eskimos maintain the original ULU design, but have adopted new materials such as stainless steel.
Ancient ULU's have become valued collector's items. The utility of this tool has withstood the test of time and proven itself among the Alaskan & Canadian northern people.