Although many artists probably thought of themselves and their families when they carved hunting and domestic scenes, actual portraiture was uncommon in Inuit art in the late 1950s and early 60s. Of the several quite engaging portrait heads created in Inukjuak in this period, this example is among the largest and finest that we have encountered. Rather than trying to smooth out the effects of time, Tukai has chosen to emphasize and even exaggerate the furrowed brow, wrinkles, and crow’s feet on this handsome fellow’s face. We cannot help but wonder which member of the artist’s family inspired this fascinating sculpture. Perhaps it is even a self-portrait.

References: See the work and commentary in Jean Blodgett, Selections from The John and Mary Robertson Collection of Inuit Sculpture, (Kingston: Agnes Etherington Art Centre, 1986), cat. 38. For another example see Head from 1962, illustrated in Jean Blodgett, Port Harrison / Inoucdjouac, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1976), cat. 71.