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Artworks
TEMELA OOPIK (1946-2018) KIMMIRUT (LAKE HARBOUR)
Rearing Muskox, c. early 1980sstone and antler, 10.5 x 5 x 7.25 in (26.7 x 12.7 x 18.4 cm)
signed and inscribed, "ᑎᒥᓚ ᐅᐱ / ᑭᒥᕈ".LOT 37
ESTIMATE: $800 — $1,200
PRICE REALIZED: $793.00Further images
The Inuit name for muskox is umingmak which translates to “the bearded one”, a moniker which pays homage to the long coarse guard hairs of this fabulous creature. The long...The Inuit name for muskox is umingmak which translates to “the bearded one”, a moniker which pays homage to the long coarse guard hairs of this fabulous creature. The long hairs are frequently seen swaying to and fro either because of arctic breezes or the animals’ swift movements (muskoxen can attain speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour!). It is interesting to note that many of the most realistic and powerful sculptures of muskoxen hail from Baffin Island which has been barren of muskoxen for centuries. Perhaps the artists from Kimmirut, Kinngait, and Iqaluit are preoccupied with muskoxen because for them it is an animal of mythic import rather than daily exposure. In this dynamic specimen, Oopik has presented us with a rather charming muskox reared up on its hind legs perhaps as a gesture of intimidation or as a prelude to a head butting contest.
Provenance
Private Collection, Montreal.
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