This delightful Roaring Polar Bear is likely one of Elijassiapik’s earlier efforts, carved a year, or perhaps two, before most of his published works (the majority of which are dated to c. 1954-55). A fine seated Polar Bear, c. 1954 was published in Darlene Wight’s 2006 Early Masters exhibition catalogue (p. 88). Two other fine examples are dated 1955: a charming Reclining Polar Bear (First Arts, 13 July 2021, Lot 95) and Seated Polar Bear (First Arts, 5 Dec. 2022, Lot 17). All three of these mid-1950s versions are embellished with ivory: eyes, noses, and in one case paw pads; it is probable that Elijassiapik was, at some point, influenced by the more experienced artist and his good friend Johnny Inukpuk, at whose camp he lived in the early 1950s (see Early Masters, p. 85).

Try as he might, our Roaring Polar Bear is simply too charming to scare anyone. He’s a large specimen, but even his considerable heft seems more endearing than intimidating to us. Elijassiapik has created a sculpture with presence and personality, in a style that is both naïve and incredibly appealing. We have searched the literature for comparable works, and have realized that polar bears were actually not very common subjects in Inukjuak art, especially before about 1954-55 or so. There are a few notable examples by Akeeaktashuk, and a handful by other artists (although polar bears do feature regularly in the quirky Inuit “totem poles” carved in the early years). One similar work we do recall is a Growling Bear possibly by Elijassiapik (see Walker’s Auctions, May 2012, Lot 45).

References: For fine examples by this artist see First Arts, July 13, 2021, Lot 95. For similarly styled works see also Walker’s Auctions, 3 May 2012, Lot 45; and 25 May 2016, Lot 3. See the artist’s Seated Polar Bear in Darlene Coward Wight, Early Masters: Inuit Sculpture 1949-1955, (Winnipeg, Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2006) pp. 88-89. For a fine Snarling Bear that is most likely by Elijassiapik see George Swinton, Eskimo Sculpture, (Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1965) p. 198. For a similarly styled and no doubt contemporaneous Bear and Walrus by the artist see Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec, The Permanent Collection (Montreal: CGCQ, 1980), figs. 285-286.