-
Artworks
BARNABUS ARNASUNGAAQ (1924-2017) QAMANI'TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Inuk Building a Snowhouse, early 1970smuskox horn and black ink, 1.25 x 1.25 x 1 in (3.2 x 3.2 x 2.5 cm)
signed, "ᐊᓄᓱᒐ".LOT 19
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $360.00Further images
Barnabus Arnasungaaq is renowned for his monumental as well as miniature stone sculptures, a medium from which he did not often deviate. However, it is known that, at the encouragement...Barnabus Arnasungaaq is renowned for his monumental as well as miniature stone sculptures, a medium from which he did not often deviate. However, it is known that, at the encouragement of Jack Butler, Barnabus did experiment with antler carving. The most celebrated of these rare works is a depiction of a shaman initiate, which is illustrated in George Swinton's Sculpture of the Inuit (fig. 692) [1]. The mastercarver is also known for his depiction of muskoxen. It is interesting, then, that this example is carved from the horn of the creature. It is one of only a handful of known works in this particular medium, one of which, also from Jack Butler's collection, is illustrated in Jean Blodgett, The Coming and Going of the Shaman: Eskimo Shamanism and Art, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1978), cat. 151, p. 208.
1. Also illustrated in Jean Blodgett, The Coming and Going of the Shaman: Eskimo Shamanism and Art, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1978), cat. 8, p. 44
Provenance
Collection of Mr. Jack Butler, acquired directly from the artist.
Jack and Sheila Butler were arts advisors in Baker Lake in the crucial years of artistic flowering in the community from 1969 to 1976.
Join Our Mailing List
Join our mailing list
* denotes required fields
We will process the personal data you have supplied in accordance with our privacy policy (available on request). You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.