The subject of the shapeshifter or transforming shaman is one of the most common subjects in Inuit art, yet Kippens-based artist Michael Massie has consistently been able depict the subject with a keen sense of originality and wit. Across most Arctic communities, shamans were known to shapeshift from human to animal form, and perhaps complete a spiritual journey or task in their animal body. Shamans were respected and sometimes feared for their unpredictable, supernatural abilities. With the wide Christianization in the Canadian Arctic, the tradition of shamanism has largely disappeared as the presence of priests replaced shamans as the intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds. Yet, through the depiction of this lost tradition in art, the stories relating to this incredible part of Inuit culture live on.

In this impressive sculpture, Massie masterfully depicts a shaman’s body melded with those of a walrus and owl. The shaman’s face is distorted by the shapeshifting event, growing whiskers and tusks. Equally shocking are his limbs, which have morphed into the flippers of a walrus in 'front', and the feathers and talons of the owl at the 'back.' In the Spirit Wrestler exhibition pamphlet Massie explains the idea behind this transformation piece, “There are three aspects to this piece – the owl, the walrus, and the shaman. The shaman’s connection to the human world is shown by the left eye still in its proper position in the head, and by the left arm, which is still covered by the parka. The right eye of the shaman is positioned on the top of the head more like the walrus. This is a powerful shaman, with this tremendous ability to move from one form to another—and here he is moving from the walrus to the owl – so he is powerful in both the sea and the sky.”

Massie’s incredible skill working with mixed media remains as present as ever in this work. Carved expertly from a limestone, the eyes have been inlaid with a combination of materials. This includes moose bone for the whites of the eyes, and mahogany and ebony wood for the iris and pupils. Antler is also meticulously carved into tusks and whiskers and carefully attached to the grotesque face.