Inuit Sculpture
From East to West - a powerful group of historic Inuit sculpture, from several collections, where each stone’s spirit is revealed through strength, sensitivity, and flowing form.
Barnabus Arnasungaaq (E2-213) ᐸᓇᐸᓯ ᐊᓇᓴᒐ (1924-2017) Qamani’tuaq / Baker Lake ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ, Standing Woman (#25.9.16), c.1970s, steatite/soapstone, 15.5 x 7.5 x 4.75 inches (39.5 x 19. x 12 cm), provenance: Vancouver collection, $12,000 Cdn.
unknown artist, Qamani’tuaq/Baker Lake ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ , Arctic Bird, c. 1970s, serpentine, 7 x 5 x 9.25 inches (18 x 12.5 x 23.5 cm), $1500 Cdn.
Nancy Sevoga Kangeryuaq ᓇᓯ ᓯᕗᒐ, E2042, Qamani’tuaq ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ/Baker Lake, Standing Woman (#25.9.17), c.1980, serpentine, 14 x 6.5 x 3.25 inches (35.5x16.5x8 cm), provenance: BC Collection, $2800 Cdn.
Martha Tickiq (Tickie) E2-128 (1939-2015) Qamani’tuaq/Baker Lake, ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ, Dancing Figure, n.d. basalt, 10.25 x 4.5 x 5 inches (26 x 11.5 x 12.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $1800 Cdn.
Sam Crow E9-259 (1905-) Belcher Islands / Sanikiluaq ᓴᓪᓚᔪᒐᐃᑦ, Small Seal (#26.1.20), c. late 1950s, steatite/soapstone, 2.5 x 1.25 x 3 inches (6.5x3x8 cm), provenance: private collection Saskatchewan, $250 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Iziasie Kopalie (E6-567) 1948- Qikiqtarjuaq / Broughton Island, ᕿᑭᖅᑕᕐᔪᐊᖅ, Mother And Child (#25.6.28), 1976, green serpentine, 12 x 5.25 x 4 inches (30.5 x 13 x 10 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $850 Cdn. (ON HOLD)
Audla Pee (E7-1043) ᐊᐅᓚ ᐱ (1920-2002) Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Seal (#25.9.6), early 1960s, green serpentine, 3.5 x 11 x 2.25 inches (9 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm), provenance: BC Collection, $1400 Cdn.
Osuitok Ipeelee RCA, E7-115, ᐅᓱᐃᑐ ᐃᐱᓕ (1923-2005) Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Owl (#25.9.12, unsigned), c. 1957, green serpentine, 5.5 x 4 x 2.5 inches (14 x 10 x 6.25 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $2100 Cdn.
Elisapee Nungusuituq (ᐃᓕᓴᐱ) E7-1145 (1927-85) Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Arctic Bird, n.d. (early), serpentine, 8.25 x 4 x 9 inches (21 x 10 x 23 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $2200 Cdn.
Koomwartok Ashoona (E7-1102) 1930-84 Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Seal (#25.9.11), early 1960s, green serpentine, 5 x 9 x 2 inches (13 x 23 x 5 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $975 Cdn.
Kananginak Pootoogook ᑲᓇᖏᓈᖅ RCA (1935-2010), Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, MuskOx, c.1990, serpentine, 15 x 17 x 6.5 inches (37 x 49 x 15 cm), provenance: Canmore Collection, $18,000 Cdn.
Pauloosie Joanassie E7-1968 (1962-) Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Arctic Bird, n.d. (early), serpentine, 3.75 x 2.5 x 8 inches (9.5 x 6.5 x 20.25), provenance: private collection BC, $425 Cdn.
Aqjangajuk Shaa RCA (E7-1065) ᐊᔭᒐᔪ ᓴᐊ (1937-2019) Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Owl With Curved Beak (#25.9.3), 1969, serpentine, 9 x 4.75 x 4.5 inches (23 x 12 x 11.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $1500 Cdn.
Eyeetsiak Peter, E7-1150 (1937-2011), (Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ), Taloolayook (Sedna) (#25.6.2), c.1970, green serpentine, 7 x 5.25 x 20 inches (18 x 13 x 51 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $2700 Cdn.
Mikigak (Mikikgak) Kingwatsiak E7-917 (1943-) (Cape Dorset/Kinngait, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ), Taloolayook (Sedna) (#25.6.3), c. 1980, green serpentine, 9 x 2.5 x 21.25 inches (23 x 6 x 44 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $2900 Cdn.
Kingwatsiak Jaw (E7-1970) 1962-2012 (Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ), Diving Walrus, c.2000, green serpentine & antler, 7 x 11 x 3.5 inches (18 x 28 x 9 cm), $1800 Cdn.
Goota Ashoona (E7-2413) 1967- Cape Dorset/Kinngait, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Catch of The Day (#25.8.1), 2001, carved whalebone, 4x5x3 inches (10 x 12.5 x 7.5 cm), provenance: Canmore collection, $695 Cdn.---- note - export restrictions may apply.
Napachie Sharky (E7-2729) ᓇᐸᓯ / ᓴᑭ (1971-2018) Cape Dorset/Kinngait, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Small Water Bird Protecting Its Nest (#25.8.5), c.2003, serpentine, 1.5 x 3 x 4.5 inches (4.5 x 8 x 12 cm), provenance: private collection Canmore, $550 Cdn
unknown artist Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, Walrus Hunter, n.d., serpentine/steatite (soapstone), 5.5 x 2.75 x 8.5 inches (14 x 7 x 21.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $350 Cdn.
Martha Kunana W2-232 (1942 -) Kugluktuk / Coppermine River, ᖁᕐᓗᖅᑐᖅ, Reclining Caribou (#25.9.7), c.1974, serpentine, 2 x 10 x 3 inches (5 x 25.5 x 7.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $950 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Margaret Uyauperq Aniksak E1-27, 1907–93 Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ , Mother With Child In Amauti (#25.9.5), mid 1960s, basalt/serpentine, 10.25 x 6 x 5 inches (26 x 15 x 13 cm), provenance: BC Collection, $2975 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Andy Miki (E1-436) ᒥᑭ (1918-1983) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ , Arctic Bird (#25.6.17), c.1960s, antler, 8.5 x 2.5 x 6.25 inches (21.5 x 6 x 16 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $1800 Cdn.
Andy Miki, Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Bird Figure (#25.11.52), n.d., basalt/serpentine, 2.25 x 2 x 1.25 inches (6 x 5 x 3 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $475 Cdn.
John Pangnark (ᔭᓐ ᐸᓇ) E1-104, 1920-80 Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Reclining Figure (#25.11.54), c.1970s, basalt, 2 x 1.5 x .5 inches (5 x 4 x 1.5 cm), $1100 Cdn.
John Pangnark (ᔭᓐ ᐸᓇ) E1-104, 1920-80 Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Spirit Figure (#25.9.26), c.1972, basalt, 2.75 x 1.25 x 1.25 inches (7 x 4 x 3 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $1000 Cdn.
Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok ᓗᓯ ᑕᓯᐅ ᑎᓯᑕ (1934-2012) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Faces (#25.11.58), c.1972, basalt, 1.25 x 1.5 x .25 inches (3 x 3 x 1.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $295 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
John Pangnark (ᔭᓐ ᐸᓇ) E1-104, 1920-80 Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ , Spirit Figure (#25.11.49), c.1972, carved antler, 2.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches (6.25 x 6.25 x 2.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $975 Cdn.
Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok ᓗᓯ ᑕᓯᐅ ᑎᓯᑕ (1934-2012) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ , Faces (#25.11.57), c.1974, basalt, 1 x 1.5 x 1 inches (2.5 x 4 x 2.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $475 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok ᓗᓯ ᑕᓯᐅ ᑎᓯᑕ (1934-2012) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ , Faces (#25.11.56), c.1974, basalt, 1 x 1.25 x 1 inches (2.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $350 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok ᓗᓯ ᑕᓯᐅ ᑎᓯᑕ (1934-2012) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Family Group (#25.8.6), c.1975, argillite, 4 x 2 x 3 inches (10 x 7 x 4 cm), provenance: private collection Canmore, $1500 Cdn.
Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok ᓗᓯ ᑕᓯᐅ ᑎᓯᑕ (1934-2012) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Family Group (#25.8.7), c.1975, argillite, 5 x 4 x 1.5 inches (13.5 x 9 x 1.5cm), provenance: Canmore Collection, $1700 Cdn.
Mary Kahootsuak Miki E1-437 (1920-93), Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Woman (#25.11.53), c. late 70s, basalt/serpentine, 2.75 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches (7 x 6 x 3 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $325 Cdn.
Luke Anowtalik (E1-524) ᓗ ᐊᓇᐅᑕᓕ (1932-2006) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Transformation (#25.9.13), c.1980, carved antler, 7 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches (17.5x21x4 cm), provenance: BC Collection, $1700 Cdn.
Luke Anowtalik (E1-524) ᓗ ᐊᓇᐅᑕᓕ (1932-2006) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Kayaker (#25.6.18), c.1980, carved antler, 3.25 x 3.25 x 15 inches (8.5 x 8.5 x 38 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan collection, $1700 Cdn.
Luke Anowtalik (E1-524) ᓗ ᐊᓇᐅᑕᓕ (1932-2006) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Antler Figure (#25.9.14), c.1980, carved antler, sinew, 2 x 1.5 x 1 inches (5 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm), provenance: BC collection, $325 Cdn ---- note - export restrictions apply.
Towatuga Sagouk (E7-826), 1934-96 Iqaluit / Frobisher Bay, ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ, Hunter (#25.9.20), 1970, serpentine, 9.25 x 5 x 3.5 inches (23.25 x 12.5 x 9 cm), signed in syllabics, provenance: BC Collection, $1250 Cdn.
Enook Manomie (E7-828) 1941- Iqaluit / Frobisher Bay, ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ, Water Bird (#25.9.9), c.1970s, serpentine, 5 x 5.5 x 2 inches (13 x 14 x 5 cm), provenance: BC Collection, $850 Cdn.
Johnny Akpik, 1958 Iqaluit/Frobisher Bay ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ, Seal, n.d., serpentine, 2.5 x 9 x 3 inches (6 x 22.5 x 7.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $325 Cdn.
Simon Uttaq ᓯᐃᒪᐅᑕ Uqsuqtuuq / Gjoa Haven ᐅᖅᓱᖅᑑᖅ , Mother and Child Drum Dancing (#25.6.24), c.1990s, serpentine, antler, 7 x 3.75 x 5 inches (18 x 9.5 x 12.5 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan collection, $2200 Cdn.
Colin Okheena (W2-967) 1961- Ulukhaktok / Holman Island, Transformation (#25.8.3), 1998, serpentine, antler, musk ox horn, 3 x 10 x 3.5 inches (7 x 26 x 9 cm), provenance: private collection Canmore, $1200 Cdn.---- note - export restrictions may apply.
Lucassie Ikkidluak (E7-765) ᓗᑲᓯ ᐃᑭᓗᐊ (1949-) Kimmirut / Lake Harbour ᑭᒻᒥᕈᑦ, Seal (#25.6.11), c.1965, green serpentine, 5 x 3.25 x 10 inches (12.5 x 8 x 25.5 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $950 Cdn.
Appa Josephie (1945-) Kimmirut / Lake Harbour ᑭᒻᒥᕈᑦ, Resting Seal (#26.1.7), 1985, serpentine, 2.5 x 4.5 x 1.25 inches (6.5x11.5x3 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $450 Cdn.
Eyeseak Padluq E7-1550 (1966-) Kimmirut / Lake Harbour ᑭᒻᒥᕈᑦ, Resting Seal, c.1980s, steatite/soapstone, 2.5 x 6 x 2.25 inches (6x15x6 cm), $450 Cdn.
Lyta Josephie E7-2201 (1964-) Kimmirut / Lake Harbour ᑭᒻᒥᕈᑦ, Resting Walrus (#26.1.6), 2018, serpentine, 2.5 x 5.25 x 2.5 inches (6x13.5x6.5 cm), provenance: private collection Saskatchewan, $475 Cdn.
unknown artist, Pannirtuq / Pangnirtung ᐸᖕᓂᖅᑑᖅ, Young Seal (#25.9.8), early 1960s, carved whalebone, 3 x 6.5 x 4 inches (7.5 x 16.25 x 10 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $450 Cdn. ---- note - export restrictions may apply.
Pauloosie Karpik ᐸᐅᓗᓯ ᑲᐱᒥ, E6-187 (1911-88) Pannirtuq / Pangnirtung ᐸᖕᓂᖅᑑᖅ, A Head (#25.9.1), early 1960s, serpentine, 5 x 4 x 2.75 inches (12.5 x 10 x 7 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $600 Cdn.
Qaqasiralaq Kullualik E6-227 (1913-1983) Pannirtuq / Pangnirtung ᐸᖕᓂᖅᑑᖅ, Mother And Child (#25.6.29), 1975, serpentine, 6.25 x 7 x 10.75 inches (16 x 17.75 x 27.5 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $1400 Cdn.
Billy Merkosak ᐱᓕ ᒥᑯᓴ (b. 1966) Mittimatalik / Pond Inlet ᒥᑦᑎᒪᑕᓕᒃ, Shaman Drum Dancer (#25.8.2), 1998, whalebone, 14 x 6 x 4.5 inches (36 x 15 x 11.5 cm), provenance: private collection Canmore, $1500 Cdn.---- note - export restrictions may apply.
Lucassie Echalook E9-1582, ᓗᑲᓯ ᐃᑲᓗ (1904-) Inukjuak/Port Harrison, ᐃᓄᒃᔪᐊᒃ, Hunter With Seal (#26.1.13), c. 1950s, serpentine, 6 x 2.25 x 2.75 inches (15 x 6 x 7 cm), provenance: private collection Saskatchewan, $650 Cdn.
Elijassiapik E9-915 (1912-72) Inukjuak/Port Harrison, ᐃᓄᒃᔪᐊᒃ, Diving Walrus, c.mid-1950s, serpentine, 7 x 4.25 x 10.5 inches (17.75 x 11 x 26.5), provenance: private collection BC, $2500 Cdn.
Sima Tuki (E9-927) ᓴᐃᒪ / ᑐᑫᐃ (1911-67) Inukjuak / Port Harrison ᐃᓄᒃᔪᐊᒃ , Northern Swan (#25.9.4), c.1957, serpentine, 7.25 x 8 x 4.25 inches (18.5 x 20 x 10.5 cm), provenance: BC collection, $2500 Cdn.
Annie Niviaxie, ᐊᓂ ᓂᕕᐊᓯ E9-1710 (1930-89) Inukjuak/Port Harrison, ᐃᓄᒃᔪᐊᒃ , Water Bird (#26.1.8), c.1970s, serpentine, 2.75 x 6 x 2.75 inches (7x15x7 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $550 Cdn.
Joshua Nappatu Qaqutu E9-1371 (-1936) Povungnituk / Puvirnituq ᐳᕕᕐᓂᑐᖅ, Water Shrew (#26.1.2), pre 1936, steatite/soapstone, 4.25 x 1.5 x 3 inches (10.5x4x7.5cm), provenance: private collection BC, $295 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Eli Tikeayak E2-166 (1933-95) Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, Small Bust, n.d., steatite/serpentine, 3 x 2.75 x 1 inches (7.5 x 7 x 2.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $250 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Vital Okoktok E3-204 (1912-unknown), Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, Transformation (#25.9.15), c.1970s, steatite (soapstone) with metal support, 3.5 x 1.5 x 1.25 inches (8 x 3.5 x 3 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $275 Cdn.
John Kavik (ᔭᓐ ᑲᕕ) E2-290, 1897-1993, Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, Standing Figure (#25.11.51), mid-1970s, steatite/serpentine, 2.5 x 1.75 x 1 inches (6.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $1200 Cdn.
John Kavik (ᔭᓐ ᑲᕕ) E2-290, 1897-1993, Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, Standing Figure, mid-1970s, steatite/serpentine, 3.5 x 2.25 x 1 inches (9 x 5.5 x 2.25 cm), $1200 Cdn.
Mariano Aupillardjuk (E3-407), 1923-2012 Kangiqliniq / Rankin Inlet, ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, Polar Bear On The Living Ice (#25.9.19), 1980, serpentine, 6.25 x 12 x 6 inches (15 x 31 x 15 cm), provenance: BC Collection, $1500 Cdn.
Lucie Eeyaitok Akkuardjuk (E3-625) 1921- Naujaat / Repulse Bay ᓇᐅᔮᑦ, Mother And Child (rare, #25.6.23), n.d., serpentine, 7.75 x 4 x 3.75 inches (19.5 x 10 x 9.5 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $850 Cdn.(ON HOLD)
Lucie Eeyaitok Akkuardjuk (E3-625) 1921- Naujaat / Repulse Bay ᓇᐅᔮᑦ, Seal (#25.6.12), n.d., serpentine, 3.25 x 4 x 9 inches (8.5 x 10 x 22.75 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan Collection, $550 Cdn.
Mark Tungilik, ᒪᑭ ᑕᒐᓕ (1913-86), Naujaat / Repulse Bay ᓇᐅᔮᑦ, Mini Scene (Five Figures and Seal), n.d., stone and ivory, 1.25 x 2.25 x 2 inches (3.5x6x5 cm), signed in syllabics, provenance: private collection BC, $950 Cdn ---- note - export restrictions apply.
Markusi Kalingo E9-991 (1899-c1986) (Salluit/Suglak, ᓴᓪᓗᐃᑦ, Nunavik), Seal, c.1960, light green serpentine, 2.5 x 8.5 x 2.5 inches (6x21.5x6cm), $550 Cdn.
Elisapie Nunivak Papigatok (E9-1217) 1935- (Salluit/Suglak, ᓴᓪᓗᐃᑦ, Nunavik), Woman Sitting (#25.9.18), early 1950s, serpentine, 7 x 5.5 x 3 inches (18 x 13 x 7.5 cm), provenance: Saskatchewan collection, $3100 Cdn.
Annie Ikilluaq Saviakjuk E9-1197, 1938- (Salluit/Suglak, ᓴᓪᓗᐃᑦ, Nunavik), Kneeling Woman Stretching A Skin, early 1950s, serpentine, 8 x 4 x 5.75 inches (20 x 10 x 14.5 cm), $2500 Cdn.
artist unknown, (Salluit/Suglak, ᓴᓪᓗᐃᑦ, Nunavik), Standing Figure (#25.11.50), n.d., serpentine, 3 x 1.5 x 1 inches (7.5 x 4 x 2.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, $225 Cdn.
Leo Uttaq (1964-2022) Taloyoak / Spence Bay ᑕᓗᕐᔪᐊᖅ, Standing Spirit Figure (#25.8.8), mid-1990s, basalt, 8.5 x 5 x 4.5 inches (21.5 x 13 x 12cm), provenance: private collection Canmore, $1600 Cdn.
Leo Uttaq (1964-2022) Taloyoak / Spence Bay ᑕᓗᕐᔪᐊᖅ, Spirit Face (#25.8.9), mid-1990s, basalt, antler, 7.75 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches (20 x 13.5 x 10cm), provenance: private collection Canmore, $1500 Cdn
Unknown Inuit Artist, Walking Bear (#26.1.21), n.d., serpentine, 2.25 x 1.73 x 6 inches (6x4.5x15 cm), provenance: private collection Saskatchewan, $475 Cdn.
see work by Nancy Sevoga Kangeryuaq ᓇᓯ ᓯᕗᒐ, E2042, Qamani’tuaq ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ/Baker Lake and other Inuit printmakers.
Josie Pappy (Jusi Pamiuttu Papialuk) E9-861 (1918-96) Povungnituk/Puvirnituq (Inuktitut: ᐳᕕᕐᓂᑐᖅ), Sea Bird, n.d., steatite (soapstone), 3x2.25x3 inches (7.5 x 6 x 7.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, sold
Josie Pappy (Jusi Pamiuttu Papialuk) E9-861 (1918-96) Povungnituk/Puvirnituq (Inuktitut: ᐳᕕᕐᓂᑐᖅ), Sea Bird, n.d., steatite (soapstone), 4.75 x 2.25 x 4 inches (12 x 5.5 x 10 cm), provenance: private collection BC, sold.
Joy Kiluvigyuak Hallauk E1-366 (1940-2000) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Mother And Child, n.d., basalt/serpentine, 8 x 2 x 7 inches (20 x 5 x 17.5), provenance: private collection BC, sold.
Johnny Aculiak (Inukjuak-Port Harrison), Seal, 1987, steatite (soapstone), 5 x 8.5 x 2 inches, Provenance: private collection Calgary; sold.
Bertha Anauta, 1933- (Puvirnituq), Sea Bird, c. late 1960s, steatite (soapstone), 3.25 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches, Provenance: private collection Calgary; sold.
Norman Qumuaqtuq (1948-2014) (Pangnirtung/Pangnirtuq), Hunter Packing His Cache, 1975, steatite (soapstone), 2.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches, Provenance: private collection Calgary; sold
Allie Niviaxie (Inukjuak-Port Harrison), Hunter With Fox, steatite (soapstone), 6 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches, Provenance: private collection Calgary; sold.
artist unknown (Kugluktuk/Coppermine, ᖁᕐᓗᖅᑐᖅ), Bear, n.d., steatite (soapstone), 3.25 x 2 x 6.25 inches (8.25 x 5 x 16 cm), provenance: private collection BC, sold.
Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok ᓗᓯ ᑕᓯᐅ ᑎᓯᑕ (1934-2012) Arviat/Eskimo Point ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ, Slender Woman, c.1974, basalt, sold.
artist unknown (Sugluk/Salluit, Nunavik), n.d., steatite (soapstone), 2.75 x 1.75 x 1.25 inches (7 x 4.25 x 3 cm), sold.
Jimmie (Jimmy) Petalassie (Petaulassie/Petauloosie), 1961-, (Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ), Polar Bear, n.d., serpentine, 5 x 3.25 x 8.5 inches (12.5 x 8.5 x 21.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, sold.
considered Tudlik E7-1050 (1890-1966) Kinngait/Cape Dorset, ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, early 1960s, serpentine, 6 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches (15 x 11 x 8.75 cm), sold.
James Kingilik (Kingeelik) 1912-75, E2-229; Qamani’tuaq/Baker Lake ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ, Antler Bird, 1967, carved antler, 18 x 6 x 12 inches (45.5 x 15 x 30.5 cm), sold.
Seepee Ipeelie (ᓯᐱ ᐃᐱᓕ) E7-511 (1940-2000), Iqaluit/Frobisher Bay ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ, Arctic Goose, n.d., green serpentine (two pieces), 8.75 x 5 x 10 inches (22 x 12.5 x 25.5 cm), provenance: private collection BC, sold.
“Carving…is something which Inuit do to earn their living and to show the world what kind of people they are…showing what is true….”
(Marybelle Myers, “In The Wake Of The Giant” in Blodgett, 18).
This collection showcases the remarkable depth and diversity of historic Inuit sculpture, featuring works by both recognized and anonymous artists. Together, these pieces reveal a tradition defined by expressive beauty, sensitivity, and strength.
Inuit sculptors, regardless of their region, share a profound respect for strong form, balanced volume, and the simplicity of line. They approach each stone with an awareness of its inherent character, seeking to harmonize its natural qualities with the vision of the creature or spirit within. Every stone carries its own message, and through skill and intuition, the sculptor reveals its inner form.
The result is a collection that not only celebrates the uniqueness of Inuit carving but also embodies its enduring vitality and artistry.
The collection draws from many settlements across the Canadian Arctic, each with its own distinctive carving stone and traditions.
Inukjuak, meaning “Giant” in Inuktitut, lies on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay. Artists here work with steatite and serpentine quarried 40 miles from the village. These stones allow for smooth carving and reveal the sculptor’s sensitivity to the material’s natural flow.
Cape Dorset is renowned for its serpentine, ranging in color from light yellow-green to deep black. Though hard, it rewards skilled hands with the ability to create bold yet delicate lines and glistening, elegant finishes.
Iqaluit, “the place of many fish,” is near the Sylvia Grinnell River. Local sculptors have long carved the region’s stone into works that balance strong form with cultural expression, carrying forward traditions rooted in the land.
Puvirnituq, on Hudson Bay, is known for early works in fine-grained black argillite and locally quarried steatite. Sculptors often focus on traditional subjects, like birds, rendered with graceful clarity and carefully incised details that convey both form and spirit.
Salluit/Sugluk artists historically worked steatite to create scenes of survival—hunting, life, and resilience in the Arctic. The community stands out for the contributions of women carvers, whose works added unique voices to the region’s artistic legacy.
Together, these stones—serpentine, steatite, argillite—carry the stories of their landscapes, shaped by sculptors who reveal both the strength of their traditions and the inner life of the material itself.
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