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Artworks
ENNUTSIAK (1893-1967) IQALUIT (FROBISHER BAY)
Eight Men Transporting an Umiaq, c. 1960stone, 5 x 9.25 x 3 in (12.7 x 23.5 x 7.6 cm)
inscribed with artist's disc number, "E7 603".LOT 41
ESTIMATE: $8,000 — $12,000Further images
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Eight Men Transporting an Umiaq is a wonderful example of Ennutsiak's sculptural ingenuity. The subject is characteristic of the artist, whose work frequently explores the social activities of Inuit communities,...Eight Men Transporting an Umiaq is a wonderful example of Ennutsiak's sculptural ingenuity. The subject is characteristic of the artist, whose work frequently explores the social activities of Inuit communities, from hunting and gatherings to journeys by umiaq. Yet here, a familiar subject is treated with an extraordinary degree of technical sophistication. Carved from a single block of stone using simple hand tools, the sculpture possesses something of the intricacy of a Chinese puzzle ball, its interlocking forms demonstrating the exceptional skill and patience required to release each figure from the surrounding stone. Despite this complexity, the composition is anything but static. Ennutsiak has keenly observed the forward trudge of the men beneath their vessel, their legs moving in lockstep and their bodies united in the shared effort of carrying the umiaq over land.
Although the umiaq is a familiar subject in Ennutsiak's work, the present scene offers a rather unusual variation on the theme [1]. With just eight figures carrying a comparatively small vessel, might this delightful little sculpture represent an early exploration of a subject the artist would later develop in his more elaborate migration compositions?
FA
We extend our gratitude to Emily Lawrence for her assistance in preparing this lot essay.
Provenance
Private Collection, Illinois, USA. -
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