Polar Bear and Seal Carved Greenstone Sculpture by Joanasie Jack Ittukallak

This green stone carving, depicts a polar bear after skillfully stalking and capturing a seal, now poised for the kill. This work is skilfully executed both technically and of artistically .Crafted by the artist Joanasie Jack Ittukalak, b 1949 it is accompanied by an 'Eskimo Art' label on the underside beside his signature.
Over time, the Inuit and other Arctic Indigenous communities have used natural materials for both practical needs, like carving tools, and for expressing their artistry. Inuit carvings had been produced prior to contact with the Western world. As the 20th century progressed, this artistic expression grew, resulting in a lively tradition marked by the creation of captivating carvings, often featuring animals crucial to their way of life. Today, Inuit carvers continue to carve pieces entirely by hand. Power tools are occasionally used, but most artists prefer to use an axe and file, as this gives them more control over the stone. The final stage of carving is the polishing, which is done with several grades of waterproof sandpaper, and hours and hours of rubbing. 

Width 10"

Depth 6.5"

Height 10"

D3319