Qaunaq remembered trying her hand at carving ivory when she was a very young girl and began carving stone already in the 1950s. Best known as a sculptor, she also produced drawings and jewellery. In addition, Qaunaq was a respected storyteller and throat singer and even co-authored several children’s books. Qaunaq is featured in the landmark CMC exhibition and book Inuit Women Artists: Voices from Cape Dorset in 1994.

This striking figure of an Inuk struggling against the weight of his pack is an example of the artist at the height of her powers,  showing Qaunaq’s authority over form and finish. The forward pitch of the Inuk is finely judged, with the weight reading through the bent knees and set of the shoulders. Clean undercutting separates hood, sleeves, and pack, while the satin polish and crisp facial modelling keep the figure individualized and fully resolved.