Biomolecular analysis shows that unusual book coverings are made of sealskin, hinting at far-flung trade networks.

DESCRIPTION: The bearded seal gets its name from its thick, elegantly curled, and very abundant whiskers. It is the largest Arctic pinniped after the walrus, averaging 7.2 feet in length and 484 to ...

while the harp seal and bearded seal point to more northern regions such as Greenland, Iceland, or the Barents Sea. Today, the skins display a dark brown color, the result of hair degradation and the ...

DESCRIPTION: The spotted seal is a medium-sized seal distinguished by its vivid markings of brownish to black irregularly shaped spots, sometimes encircled by a faint ring, scattered over a lighter ...