Inuit Art
Surrounded by a stark landscape, the Inuit people draw inspiration from their intimate relationship with the few indigenous animals of the Canadian Arctic. In a land of snow and rock, Inuit sculptors work with the limited materials available to them; bone, ivory, fur and stone. Despite the limitations of the Arctic, the Inuit have gained international acclaim for their striking imagery which is often amusing, occasionally disquieting and sometimes both.

Arctic Raven's collection includes stencil prints and serious works in stone depicting Inuit hunting and fishing themes, as well as more whimsical dancing and walking bears. Swimming sea birds, whales, walrus, seals, caribou and Inukshuk complete the selection. The gallery's Inuit work also reflects the enduring theme of transformation in the myths and artwork of the Arctic peoples. Whether changing from animal into animal or human into animal, these native sculptures represent the belief that nothing dies - it merely changes form.

In a frozen northern world where Inuit villages are isolated from one another by hundreds of miles of road-less wilderness or thousand miles of ice encrusted sea, distinct carving styles have developed partially in response to the limited materials available. From the primitive yet powerful basalt carvings of Baker Lake region, to the shiny sophistication of Cape Dorset soapstone sculpture, each shows a strong imagination and profound connection to the animal and spiritual realms. Arctic Raven Gallery features works from all the major Inuit carving villages.

inuit stone bear carving
"Bear"
Artist: Ahsevak Tunnillie
18"w x 12"h x 10"d
$6,400  Sold
Dancing Walrus sculpture
"Dancing Walrus"
Artist: Axanguyuk Shaa
Alternate view
drumdancers carvings
"Drumdancers"
Artist: Johnny Malaki (1974)
5.5 x 6.5 x 3 male
3 x 5.5 x 4 female
$1,800
inuit carving
"Hand"
Artist: Olivoo Tunnillee
5 ½"w x 6 ½"h x 4d
$860
"Woman with Pail"
Artist: Oviloo Tunnillee
10"w x 18"h x 5"d
$4,400
"Woman with Pail"
Artist: name
Alternate view
Drumdancer 1985
"Drum Dancer" 1985
Artist: Kavorak Angiyau
15"h x 17"w x 9"d
$3,800
diving bear sculpture
"Diving Bear"
Artist: Mark Totan
18w x 10h x 6d"d
$3,400
bears
"Bears"
Artist: Christine Aaluk (1974)
7.5 x 4 x 2
$650
"Bear on Rock"
Artist: Ohito Ashoona
9" x 6" x 3"
$350   Sold
bird sculpture
"Bird"
Artist: Toonoo Sharkey
11"w x 12"h x 6"d
$4,500
bird sculpture
"Bird"
Artist: Toonoo Sharkey
Alternate view 1
bird sculpture
"Bird"
Artist: Toonoo Sharkey
Alternate view II
bird sculpture
"Bird"
Artist: Toonoo Sharkey
Alternate view III
alaskan face sculpture
"Face"
Artist: Wayne Pukinaaq 1992
6"w x 12.5h
$960
dancing bear carving
"Dancing Bear"
Artist: Pea Michael
10"w x 14.5"h
$3,000
sedna carving
"Sedna"
Artist: Oviloo Tunnillie
11"w x 10.5"h x 6"d
$3,200   Sold
sedna
"Sedna"
Artist: Oviloo Tunnillie
Alternate view 1
sedna
"Sedna"
Artist: Oviloo Tunnillie
Alternate view 2
Bear
"Bear"
Artist: Jeffrey Salomonie
18"w x21"h
$4,000