Materials

Stone

Description

Green Inuit "soapstone" carving of a seal or walrus. Rock has patches of dark and light green. Sits on its side with head tilted upwards, one fore flipper raised upwards on the top, other fore flipper tucked underneath body, and two hind flippers outstretched at the end. 5 digits carved into each flipper. Two circular surface carvings for eyes, wideset. Carvings for two upturned nostrils, and upside-down "U" shape for mouth. Area around nostrils and mouth is raised. No signature or inscriptions.
This carving is unidentified in artist and region. However, the style resembles many other art pieces either from the Kinngait (previously referred to as Cape Dorset) or Kimmirut (previously referred to as Lake Harbour) regions. Both locations are in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. The resemblance can be seen in the subject of reclining walrus/seal (animal themes are common), in stone type, in shape, and style of carving. The stone resembles the green stone that can be found in Nuwata and Kangiak.

Marks/Labels

Accession number on bottom near back. 

Category

Carving