Oviloo Tunnillie is rightly recognized as one of the leading Inuit sculptors of her generation. With a style truly defined as her own, Oviloo’s figures are instantly recognizable. Most often they give voice to a woman’s point of view and experience; powerful depictions of women, be they strong, tender, or sometimes tragic, dominated her career and created a canon of work that is like no other.

Oviloo also carved a number of figures engaged in games and sports. These included “southerners” such as football players, skaters, and swimmers – but here, she depicts an Inuk male preparing to play a traditional pulling game known as nusuura. For some reason, he seems to be hiding the H-shaped aksalak grip used in the game behind his back. Perhaps he’s about to surprise an unwitting friend or opponent with a challenge, or it may be that he is simply steeling himself for the upcoming game of strength. Like so many of Oviloo’s subjects, this man has a contemplative air.