ARNALUAQ [Possibly ARNAUYUQ ALOOKEE (1944-) TALOYOAK (SPENCE BAY)], Packing Sea Goddess Nuleeaut (Pack Doll of Sedna and Young), 1980s

wool duffel and stroud, thread, yarn, and polyester stuffing, 16 x 14.5 x 4 in (40.6 x 36.8 x 10.2 cm)
unsigned;
given to the artist, "Arnaluaq" and titled to the accompanying Igloo Tag, as issued
accompanied by the original Taloyoak Crafts Association Tag, as issued;
accompanied by "Upholstered and Stuffed Articles Act" tag, as issued;

LOT 38
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500

Faced with economic hardship, the women of Taloyoak (Spence Bay) turned ancestral sewing knowledge into an economic lifeline, forming cooperatives such as Taloyoak Crafts Ltd. (1974–1986) [1] and producing handmade works that were at once resourceful, beautiful, and sustaining. Among the most inventive was Pitkuti Ugyuk [2], who helped pioneer the packing doll: a form born from pressure, but alive with wit, care, and originality.

Here, the artist, Arnaluaq (possibly Arnauyuq Alookee), takes that familiar packing doll form — a woman with a child nestled in the hood of her amautiq — and turns it toward one of the great narrative currents of Inuit tradition. Sedna’s story is told across the Arctic, but never in only one way; each telling carries the shape of its place and teller. In this instance, the artist draws on the version in which Sedna’s fingers have been lost, suggested here through their shortened, rounded ends and the vivid pink stitching that gently defines them.

1. Taluq Designs Ltd. (ᑕᓗᖅ ᓴᓇᐅᒐᐃᑦ) is a cooperative established in Taloyoak (Spence Bay) in 1995. It continues the tradition of creating Inuit textile crafts, particularly packing dolls, while supporting local women artisans.

2. Sometimes called Pitkuti Ugyuk, Peeteekootee Ugyak, Peeteekootee Charlie, or Charlie Ugyuk (the latter not to be confused with the well-known Taloyoak carver).

Provenance

An Ontario Collection.

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ARNALUAQ [Possibly ARNAUYUQ ALOOKEE (1944-) TALOYOAK (SPENCE BAY)]

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Provenance