Carving, Soapstone
Artifact
80.5.650
after 1936
Green "soapstone" carving of polar bear with a man on its back. Man is stabbing a polar bear on the right side, possibly with a knife, and gripping bear with his left hand. Polar bear is biting on a piece of the man's clothing that is stretched out. Sculpture is intricately carved with details. Man has square hairline, wrinkles on forehead, wide round spaced-apart eyes with carving for white around dark pupils. Nose is wide, round, and flat with large nostrils. Has large lips with straight expression. Man appears to be wearing traditional clothing with outlines for mittens, boots, and a parka. Polar bear is turned back to the right to face the man standing on all four legs, with front legs slightly bent. Ears are carved at the top sides of the head, eyes carved slanting downwards, wrinkles on face above upturned nostrils, and mouth biting man's clothing. Paws are carved to indicate claws. Base has intentional scratches carved throughout. Artist's disk number and Inuktitut syllabics inscribed on the base. Carving is polished.
Carving is by Inukjuak artist Eli Elijassiapik. Sculpture is reflective of Eli's typical style, as well as a style common to the Inukjuak community. Round, broad, limited-negative space, and a realistic stand-alone depiction of a hunting scene.
Carving is by Inukjuak artist Eli Elijassiapik. Sculpture is reflective of Eli's typical style, as well as a style common to the Inukjuak community. Round, broad, limited-negative space, and a realistic stand-alone depiction of a hunting scene.
Stone
Length: 29.5cm;
Width: 13cm;
Height: 30 cm;
Disk number "E91609" on bottom of base along with inscription "ᐃᓪᐃ" (?)
Accession number on the top side of the base, and also on the bottom base on white label with red printing.
Accession number on the top side of the base, and also on the bottom base on white label with red printing.