Inuit Carving of Basking Walrus by Johnassie Arragutainaq, Nunavut 1975
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Description
This carved green limestone figure of a basking walrus is by Johnassie Arragutainaq, an Inuit carver, who resided in Sanikiluaq, the southernmost village in Nunavut, Canada. Limestone on this island and in nearby Artic Quebec was more abundant than the traditional soapstone of more northern Inuit communities. The walrus has fattened itself for the long winter months and is now resting in the sunshine. The carving is minimalist, yet captures the spirit of the animal in a knowing manner. The tusks are made from caribou bones, from one of the mainstays of native Canadian life and which is legally traded by First Nation artists. The sculptor signed the bottom of the stone with his identification tag number, assigned to him by the Canadian Government when it organized the Inuit population who did not use family last names. This was done to track the tuberculosis epidemic in the first half of the 20th century. Johnassie's number was E-9147, which is how he is identified. The sculpture is heavy for its size, and has natural imperfections, as well as tiny chips of the tips of one flipper, as seen in the photographs. These are normal vintage wear and do not detract from the aesthetic appeal. The sculpture was created in the 1960s or 1970s.
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More Information
Documentation: Signed Notes: Inscribed with Canadian Government identification tag number E-9147 Origin: Canada Period: 1950-1979 Materials: Carved green limestone with caribou bone Condition: Good. Vintage wear, minor scratches, tips of one flipper slightly chipped. Creation Date: 1965 Styles / Movements: Traditional Dealer Reference #: D212-17-MSL Incollect Reference #: 531725 -
Dimensions
W. 11.5 in; H. 5 in; D. 4.25 in; W. 29.21 cm; H. 12.7 cm; D. 10.8 cm;
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