This fascinating little vignette dates from the early years of Inuit carving in Nunavik (Arctic Quebec), possibly as early as 1948, which might make it one of the first pieces collected by James Houston. We suspect that it may have been carved in Inukjuak (Port Harrison), but neither the stone nor the style makes it attributable to a particular community with any certainty. The work depicts a male figure – a hunter or perhaps a boy – apparently tugging at the leash of a dog. The hunter’s attachment to a base is unusual but apparently necessary, as the figure would never be able to stand on its own! We like the tension created by the backward lean of the human figure; we really get the sense of a struggle between him and the stubborn pup. Another interesting feature of this work is the inlaid face, which is carved from stone rather than ivory or some other contrasting material.