Joseph Shuqslak, ᔪᓱᐱ ᓱᓴ
LEGEND OF THE NARWHAL
JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-), ᔪᓱᐱ ᓱᓴ, GJOA HAVEN / UQSUQTUUQ
LEGEND OF THE NARWHAL
stone, inset ivory, signed in syllabics, dated '96
11.5 x 9.5 x 5 in — 29.2 x 24.1 x 12.7 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
Inuit tradition is rich in legends about transformations helping to explain the human relationship between nature and the spirit world.
Joseph Shuqslak's carving of a drowning woman is his portrayal of the origin legend of the narwhal. In the legend, an evil stepmother who abused her son, finally faces the son’s retribution. The son manages to persuade the woman to tie herself to a harpoon which he throws at a white whale. The whale dives into the dark depths of the ocean, dragging the woman along with him. As she sinks to the bottom, her long hair twists above her head to form the characteristic narwhal horn.
Estimate: $600—900
LEGEND OF THE NARWHAL
stone, inset ivory, signed in syllabics, dated '96
11.5 x 9.5 x 5 in — 29.2 x 24.1 x 12.7 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
Inuit tradition is rich in legends about transformations helping to explain the human relationship between nature and the spirit world.
Joseph Shuqslak's carving of a drowning woman is his portrayal of the origin legend of the narwhal. In the legend, an evil stepmother who abused her son, finally faces the son’s retribution. The son manages to persuade the woman to tie herself to a harpoon which he throws at a white whale. The whale dives into the dark depths of the ocean, dragging the woman along with him. As she sinks to the bottom, her long hair twists above her head to form the characteristic narwhal horn.
Estimate: $600—900
Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Lot # | Low Est | High Est | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-11-19 | Waddington's | 188 | 600 | 900 | 600.00 |
