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Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTISTS
Three Ulus, c. 1980seach metal and antler, the largest: 5.75 x 5.75 x 1.5 in (14.6 x 14.6 x 3.8 cm) and smallerLOT 46
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $219.60
21 August 2025Further images
The Inuit ulu is a traditional, multi-purpose knife with a distinctive crescent-shaped blade, used primarily by Inuit women for tasks such as skinning animals, preparing food, and sewing. Crafted from...The Inuit ulu is a traditional, multi-purpose knife with a distinctive crescent-shaped blade, used primarily by Inuit women for tasks such as skinning animals, preparing food, and sewing. Crafted from materials such as slate, bone, or modern steel, with handles of caribou antler, wood, or ivory, the ulu’s ergonomic design allows precise cutting with a rocking motion. While there are regional differences in design, most ulus share the same basic shape, which can vary depending on the availability and size of the blade material. This could be scavenged steel, often recycled from saw blades, or locally sourced copper. The ulu’s versatility made it essential for survival in the Arctic, from processing seal meat to crafting clothing. Today, ulus are both functional tools and cultural artifacts, often intricately decorated and sold as art. They symbolize Inuit ingenuity, resilience, and the central role of women in traditional life.Provenance
Ex. Coll. Colin John Grasset Molson (C.J.G ), Montreal.
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