This little sculpture seems straightforward enough until we notice that its “rudder” is in fact the head of a polar bear. This gives the work a wonderfully magical, enigmatic quality that allows the viewer to sail into uncharted waters. The bear is in all likelihood a helping spirit that steers the traveler (possibly a shaman) on a spiritual voyage. Looking even more closely we see that the beautifully crafted boat contrasts with the more biomorphic shapes of the mast and sail; their shapes echo the amorphous shape of the base. Together these shapes create an overall dreamy atmosphere: is the boat sailing or flying? Despite its modest scale and unassuming aspect, this lovely carving possesses every bit as much spiritual power as many larger, flashier sculptures.

It is difficult to pin down an artist or even a community for this work. Kugaaruk (Pelly Bay) comes to mind as a possible community, and yet for some reason we think of artists such as Mariano Aupilardjuk or perhaps even a young Judas Ullulaq as possible artists.