MICHAEL MASSIE, C.M., R.C.A. (1962-) KIPPENS, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Michael Massie’s powerful sculpture, Ties that Bind Us, expresses his concerns regarding the teachings of Christianity which were imposed on the Inuit, countering their traditional animist beliefs. This spirit figure holds both a Christian sceptre and a kakivak, the traditional Inuit tool used for spearing fish. The inlaid eyes of this spirit figure, graced with a Sedna-like body and tail, and the transforming limbs and face of a shaman, gazes almost mournfully at the viewer. However, the serpentine shape of the sculpture, with its undulating silhouette is both elegant and seductive; this is characteristic of Massie’s sculptures as, despite the import of a story or message, the sculptural form is always beautifully presented. [1] In this case, the meaning behind the sculpture is evident. The sceptre pierces the figure, implying the harmful influence of Christianity – and echoing images of shamans harpooning themselves during séances – while the kakivak represents the survival of centuries-old beliefs and practices.