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    Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988
    Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988
    Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988
    Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988
    Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988
    Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988

    NELSON TAKKIRUQ (1930-) Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven)

    Tattooed Woman Holding Mask, 1988
    stone and bone, 21.25 x 11.5 x 12.25 in (54 x 29.2 x 31.1 cm), measurements reflect dimensions with inset tools
    dated and signed, "1988 / N. ᑕᑭᕈ".
    LOT 34
    ESTIMATE: $7,000 — $10,000
    PRICE REALIZED: $9,760.00

    Further images

    • (View a larger image of thumbnail 1 ) HISTORIC PERIOD INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC, Whistle, 1935 or earlier
    • (View a larger image of thumbnail 2 ) HISTORIC PERIOD INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC, Whistle, 1935 or earlier
    • (View a larger image of thumbnail 3 ) HISTORIC PERIOD INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC, Whistle, 1935 or earlier
    • (View a larger image of thumbnail 4 ) HISTORIC PERIOD INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC, Whistle, 1935 or earlier
    • (View a larger image of thumbnail 5 ) HISTORIC PERIOD INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC, Whistle, 1935 or earlier
    • (View a larger image of thumbnail 6 ) HISTORIC PERIOD INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC, Whistle, 1935 or earlier
    • Tattooed Woman Holding Mask
    Nelson Takkiruq belonged to the famous triumvirate of Kitikmeot artist-brothers which included Judas Ullulaq (Lot 49) and Charlie Ugyuk (Lot 35). He was, however, adopted out at birth and did...
    Read more

    Nelson Takkiruq belonged to the famous triumvirate of Kitikmeot artist-brothers which included Judas Ullulaq (Lot 49) and Charlie Ugyuk (Lot 35). He was, however, adopted out at birth and did not meet his brothers until he was an adult. Nelson and Judas became close and shared a lively sense of humour and positive attitude; they even looked strikingly similar. Takkiruq apparently began carving in the early 1950s, selling small works in bone and antler to local missionaries. He sold work to the local co-op regularly in the 1970s and, influenced by the style and success of Judas (who joined him in Gjoa Haven in 1982), he also became a major sculpting talent, carving right until his death in 1999. [1}

    The Netsilingmiut of the eastern Kitikmeot region were the last Inuit group to be influenced by Christianity and settled village life. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the currents of shamanism and the supernatural ran deep in the art of this region right through to the end of the 20th century. This impressive tattooed figure probably depicts a dancing and chanting female shaman summoning a helping spirit. The mask-like spirit face is carved from a vertebra whose naturally occurring winged shape suggests that it’s a bird spirit. Like Ullulaq, Takkiruq carved both stone and bone, and enjoyed mixing materials for heightened psychological and aesthetic effect.


    1. Darlene Coward Wight, Art & Expression of the Netsilik, (Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2000), p. 148.
    Close full details

    Provenance

    Images Art Gallery, Toronto;
    Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Toronto. 

    Exhibitions

    Winnipeg, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Art & Expression of the Nestilik, December 1997 - April 1998, cat. no. 145.

    Publications

    Darlene Coward Wight, Art & Expression of the Netsilik, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2000), cat. no. 145, p. 149
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FIRST ARTS PREMIERS INC.  
Nadine Di Monte   |    647-286-5012   |    info@firstarts.ca 

Ingo Hessel  |    613-818-2100   |    ingo@firstarts.ca

The main office of First Arts Premiers Inc. is located on the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat, the original owners and custodians of this land.  Today, it is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

 

 

 

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