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Artworks
ELI WEETALUKTUK (1910-1958) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Snarling Bear, c. 1956-57stone and ivory, 7.5 x 8.5 x 4.5 in (19.1 x 21.6 x 11.4 cm)
inscribed with disc number and signed, "E.9. 1758 / ᐃᓚᐃ".
LOT 104
ESTIMATE: $3,000 — $5,000Further images
Eli Weetaluktuk was the younger brother of Sarollie (Syollie) Weetaluktuk (see Lot 140), camp leader at Kangirqsukallaq, forty kilometres from Inukjuak, where they would later settle. The brothers had a...Eli Weetaluktuk was the younger brother of Sarollie (Syollie) Weetaluktuk (see Lot 140), camp leader at Kangirqsukallaq, forty kilometres from Inukjuak, where they would later settle. The brothers had a Peterhead boat which allowed them to hunt larger sea mammals. Accordingly, many of their great early works were carved from walrus ivory. This magnificent Snarling Bear uses ivory sparingly but to great advantage, and is equal parts fearsome and endearing. We think this sculpture is every bit as good as the fine bears by Eli’s contemporary Elijassiapik (see First Arts, 13 July 2021, Lot 95). Marvelous!
References: See the section devoted to the brothers Eli and Syollie (Sarollie) Weetaluktuk in Darlene Coward Wight, Early Masters: Inuit Sculpture 1949-1955, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2006), pp. 62-69.Provenance
Private Collection, Montreal.
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