Lot 98
WILLIAM ANAUTALIK (1931-1987), QAMANI' TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Muskox, early 1985
stone and antler, 3.25 x 7.5 x 2.5 in (8.3 x 19.1 x 6.3 cm)
signed: "ᐊᓇᐃᑕᓕ".
ESTIMATE: $1,200— $1,800
PRICE REALIZED: $1,200
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by a Private Collection, Ottawa.
William Anautalik was not a prolific sculptor, and carved human figures almost exclusively; we are not aware of another depiction of a muskox by this artist. Although the first published example of his work seems to be in 1974, he likely began carving in the early to mid 1960s. The style of this fine muskox certainly harkens back to Baker Lake depictions of the animal from the mid 1960s; the sculpture has a similar look and sensibility of examples by George Tatanniq and others. We love the way the artist attenuates the animal's form rather than emphasizing its bulk.
Reference: For examples of human subjects by the artist see expandinginuit.com (American private collection website).