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Artworks
MARK TUNGILIK (1913-1986) NAUJAAT (REPULSE BAY)
Standing Caribou, c. mid to late 1970sstone and antler, 5.5 x 8 x 1.25 in (14 x 20.3 x 3.2 cm), measurements reflect dimensions with inset antler
signed, "ᒪᑭ. ᑐ";
inscribed, "ᓇᐅᔭ [Naujaat (Repulse Bay)".LOT 79
ESTIMATE: $2,500 — $3,500Further images
We could be forgiven if, upon initial inspection, we assumed that this lovely Standing Caribou was the work of an unknown Inukjuak sculptor from the early or mid 1950s. Closer...We could be forgiven if, upon initial inspection, we assumed that this lovely Standing Caribou was the work of an unknown Inukjuak sculptor from the early or mid 1950s. Closer scrutiny might dispel that assumption but would still beg the question: where have we seen this before? The eureka moment occurs when we realize that the DNA of this sculpture is about 90% Mark Tungilik muskox (see previous Lot 78). We love how Tungilik adapts his familiar muskox architecture by simply lengthening the legs, stretching out the neck, and shedding a few pounds. The delicately carved antlers provide an airy counterpoint to the heavyset body. Delightful!
References: For more “typical” portrayals of muskoxen by the artist, see First Arts, Toronto, 1 Dec. 2020, Lot 148; and Marion Scott Gallery, Inspiration: Four Decades of Sculpture by Canadian Inuit, (Vancouver, 1995), cat. 12. For miniature ivories by Tungilik see George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit, (Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), figs. 723, 744, 769 (and in the 1992 edition only, also figs. 827, 856, 857).Provenance
An Ottawa Collection.
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