The Inuit artist database, compiled by the then-named Department of Inuit and Northern Affairs, holds thousands of biographies and remains an invaluable resource, though woefully incomplete. The artist of this wonderful polar bear appears under neither name nor disc number in this compendium.

A commanding work, Snarling Polar Bear is defined by its naturalistic stance and assured sculptural form. The broad head, muscular neck, and powerful snout lend the animal an intensity that conveys both presence and ferocity.

Emudluk has at least one work in the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Ian Lindsay Collection. The rarity and quality of his known works affirm his talent and leave us lamenting that he seemingly produced so little.

MBL

References: First Arts gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Darlene Wight in cataloguing this work. Two comparable carved whale teeth are held in the Winnipeg Art Gallery, from the Ian Lindsay collection, dated 1973 and attributed to either Ned or Willie Emudluk.