Unlike with his older brother Luke Iksiktaaryuk, there is not much documentation on Peter Assivaaryuk. Indeed, because he has long flown under the radar, Assivaaryuk’s works are often misattributed to Ikksiktaaryuk. It gives us great pleasure therefore to be able to present similar works by the two masters for the viewer to compare and contrast. Whereas Iksiktaaryuk’s artistic style is the epitome of restraint, Assivaaryuk’s style by comparison seems almost exuberant! His figures feature more curvilinear forms that are overtly expressive; he also gives rather greater attention to finish. Whereas Iksiktaaryuk’s subject seems prideful, this figure’s gesture gives the impression of being almost plaintive or beseeching. While it is nice to compare the two, one wonders whether they might not belong together! Having said that, perhaps it is no coincidence that these two sculptures still bear a strong family resemblance. One wonders whether the two brothers might have worked side by side, each somehow inspired by the other.

References: For other human figures by the artist see George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit (McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), fig. 688; and Sanavik Cooperative, Baker Lake Sculpture 1974 (Baker Lake: Sanavik Cooperative, 1974), front cover and p. 10.