Louis Arnaryuinnaq, Baker Lake,
Transformation, Stone, 2000,
H 12" X W 4" X D 5", $950
The Kivalliq region of Nunavut has many deposits of coarse steatite and basalt, but finding good quality carving stone has been a consistent problem. Much of the local grey and black stone does not lend itself to high detail or finish, so many artists here choose not to fight against these qualities but instead to embrace them.
Transformational imagery is also an important subject for Inuit artists. Because Inuit believed that spirits inhabited all things, it was possible for these spirits to transform into others. This was especially true for the angukaak, or shaman, who would interact with spirits on behalf of his or her community. The angukaak could transform into an animal or other form in order to do this.
$950.00
