Judas Ullulaq began making small carvings and models as early as 1961, and he occasionally carved whale bone sculptures in the late 1960s. However, there are very few documented pieces by him from those earliest years, and even relatively few from the 1970s. We know that Ullulaq carved during that decade, but perhaps only sporadically. He may have felt intimidated by the extraordinary success of his nephew Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) early in the decade. He did begin to carve more seriously after Karoo’s death, and the Inuit art market took notice. Ullulaq was already beginning to be recognized as a major Taloyoak talent before his his move to Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven) in 1982. Ullulaq quickly forged a strong personal style and was given two successful solo shows in southern galleries in 1983. He himself soon became the most important and influential artist in the Kitikmeot region and remained so until his death in 1999.

Archer and Dog was carved near the end of Ullulaq’s Spence Bay years, probably in the very late 1970s. The artist is, of course, best known for his sculptures in stone and whale bone, but he greatly enjoyed mixing various carving materials. We know of other works by him carved exclusively in caribou antler (and even a few carved from muskox horn). The late 1970s and early 1980s were a time of experimentation for Ullulaq, but we can see from this charming example that the artist had already found his voice. Here the hunter already exhibits the trademark facial features of an Ullulaq sculpture. We love the kooky (and toothy!) expressions of both the man and his dog companion. Clearly, they are both very excited to be out hunting! The theme of a hunter with bow and arrow would become of Ullulaq’s favourites.