OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A. (1922 or 1923-2005) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET
signed and inscribed, ᐅᓱᐃᑐ / ᐄᐱᓕ / ᑭᒐᐃ (Kinngait)".
LOT 77
ESTIMATE: $4,000 — $6,000
PRICE REALIZED: $3,600.00
Further images
This deceptively simple sculpture reflects Osuitok’s long standing interest in the muskox, an animal that, while plentiful in many areas of the Arctic, had disappeared from Baffin Island centuries ago. Indeed, Osuitok carved his first portrayal in 1955, and two of Osuitok’s only six prints (from the late 1950s) depict muskoxen; see also a superb large stone rendition in First Arts, July 2021, Lot 63. In the current example, the artist’s refined manipulation of the stone results in a muskox that is streamlined and elegant rather than massive and shaggy. Interestingly, Osuitok’s fascination with the animal was shared by numerous other Baffin Island artists including Kananginak Pootoogook, Pudlo Pudlat, and Nuveeya and Seepee Ipellie.
References: For three small similar examples see Feheley Fine Arts, The Ryan Collection, (Toronto: Feheley Fine Arts, 1998), p. 33. For an early depiction of a muskox by the artist (1955), see Virginia Watt, et. al, Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec: The Permanent Collection: Inuit Arts And Crafts c. 1900-1980, (Montreal: Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec, 1980), cat. 114, p. 96. See First Arts, July 2021, Lot 63 for a very different take on the animal by Osuitok.
Provenance
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