I showed my wife - a personal property appraiser - this photo of the Eskimo piece. Here is her response:
Hello, please do not destroy this piece. As mentioned in an earlier comment, this Eskimo/Inuit piece is very important to the history of the Eskimos as well as collectors who wish to preserve their work -- it can also command a tidy sum. Looks to be a late 19th century piece to me based on the age cracks which are typical and not considered damage. It has a wonderful story to tell. This particular art form, like many, is literally dying on the vine because the younger generations are not interested in learning the craft from their elders. As a result, these older pieces are sought after by people who will truly treasure these pieces and should never be destroyed if at all possible. Very few are available today.
As a professional, I implore you not to turn this piece. It should be sold to someone who will treasure it and you won't have to look far. Museums would also like to have an example like this one and can identify those that it came from. Please consider the generous offer from desertrat and turn another piece. I have seen many of these over the years, but never one quite as lovely as this one.
Julie