Possibly: JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976) PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Playful Ermine, 1970s
stone, 5 x 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 in (12.7 x 21.6 x 8.9 cm)
unsigned.
ESTIMATE: $600 — $900
New Price: $400
Most famous for his migration boats but also well known for his carvings of standing human figures and owls, Talirunili sometimes carved portrayals of other animals as well; these include caribou, walrus, other birds, and the occasional ermine. Interestingly, ermines were quite common subjects in 1950s Nunavik art but less so in later years. Joe’s carving of this fine example is typically rustic but is rather more finished than many of his works of the period.
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