PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
unsigned.
ESTIMATE: $5,000 — $8,000
PRICE REALIZED: $14,640.00
Further images
Although there are no records of muskoxen having inhabited Baffin Island during historical times, Kinngait artists such as Kananginak and Pudlo depicted these fascinating animals with some regularity, and even Osuitok Ipeelee did so occasionally. Pauta Saila carved them only rarely yet Muskox, a superb example from 1962, remains among his greatest masterpieces (see First Arts, 5 Dec. 2022, Lot 19). [1]
This endearing Muskox is Pauta’s reprise of that famous work and dates from perhaps two or three years later. Slightly smaller and carved from a somewhat different stone, it has a similar though not identical pose. With its raised head, dainty hooves, and overall compact form, it might almost be a young animal trying to emulate its older and larger parent. (We see the same thing with some of Pauta’s bears, which look distinctly cub-like.) Muskox is a delightful and charming addition to the artist’s oeuvre.
Provenance
Private Collection, Ottawa;by descent in the family.
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