A minimalistic ode to an old hunter’s life on the land, Hooks and Spears captivates us with its dazzling, abstract simplicity. Two rows of fishing implements appear at rhythmic intervals across the page, divided by a horizontal green stroke that may represent a waterline or groundline. These tools symbolize the enduring connection between Anguhadluq and his community to the migratory fish in the Back River area, which they harvested in weirs during the bountiful warm seasons. In the top register, inked in orange, are the kakivak trident spears poised for the pierce. Below is a row of nigshik hooks or gaffs, used to sweep up teeming schools of fish that might appear in the weirs. The nigshik was often the preferred fishing tool among the Utkuhikhalingmiut. To Anguhadluq, the symbolism of these implements must have been at least as powerful as that of the ulu.

References: Hooks and Spears is reproduced in Helga Goetz, The Inuit Print, international travelling exhibition, (Ottawa: National Museums of Canada and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, 1977), pl. 138, p. 229; and in Cynthia Waye Cook, From the Centre: The Drawings of Luke Anguhadluq, (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 1993), cat. 72, p. 98. For another version of this print illustrated alongside the original print drawing see Bernadette Driscoll, Baker Lake Prints & Print-Drawings 1970-76, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1983), pp. 18-19 and p. 41. The print drawing is also illustrated in Jean Blodgett, Tuu'luq / Anguhadluq: An Exhibition of Works by Marion Tuu'luq and Luke Anguhadluq of Baker Lake, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1976), cat. 95.