Uriash Puquqnak is the most important living artist from Gjoa Haven and, perhaps, the entire Kitikmeot. He is the son-in-law of the late great Nelson Takkiruq (1930-1999) who was a source of inspiration and encouragement. Puqiqnak is an active artist but has also spent considerable time and energy working as a municipal and territorial politician, receiving the Order of Canada for his many contributions. Puqiqnak is known to have strong feelings about the importance of passing on Inuit culture, legends and traditions through art. He was raised by a single mother and was greatly influenced by her determination to keep both her family and her traditions alive. Female Hunter with Bow and Arrow likely depicts his mother, celebrating a successful hunt that has allowed her to feed her young family. This marvelous, exuberant sculpture shows the artist at the height of his powers. The expressive antler inlays and zany plumes of hair match the woman’s jubilation perfectly.

References: See the section on the artist in Darlene Coward Wight, Art & Expression of the Netsilik, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2000), pp. 130-135. For excellent examples of the artist’s work see Walker’s Auctions, Nov. 2017, Lot 153; and May 2018, Lot 211.