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i u a pi pu pa ti tu ta ki ku ka gi gu ga mi mu ma ni nu na si su sa li lu la ji ju ja vi vu va ri ru ra qi qu qa ngi ngu nga lhi lhu lha

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John Tiktak, R.C.A., ᔭᓐ ᑎᑕ

TOTEM OF FACES


JOHN TIKTAK, R.C.A. (1916-1981), E1-266, RANKIN INLET / KANGIQLINIQ
TOTEM OF FACES

ivory, c. 1969-70, both sides carved with twenty two faces altogether, pierced and threaded with a skin loop at the narrow end.

15.7" x 3.9" x 1.6" — 40 x 10 x 4 cm.

Provenance:
The Sparham Collection of Inuit Art, Wales, U.K.

Literature:
George Swinton, Tiktak, Sculptor from Rankin Inlet, N.W.T., A Retrospective Exhibition, Gallery One-One-One, University of Manitoba School of Art, 1970, introduction, unpaginated

Note:
Although Tiktak began carving professionally in 1963 his work has been described as archaic in nature. This work in particular pays homage to the prehistoric period of Canadian Inuit art, reminding us of objects from the late Dorset Culture. It is carved all around and does not stand on its end or on a base, as it is meant to be handled rather than displayed much like an artifact.
Tiktak’s multiple faces carvings which he began to carve in the late 1960’s are not unusual, however his use of walrus ivory is.
In Tiktak’s 1970 retrospective exhibition catalogue, George Swinton considers Tiktak’s unique expression through his sculpture, “Tiktak is preeminently an image maker. A producer of thoughts and ideas rather than of actions or events; a maker of form rather than of subject matter; a shaper of personages rather than of persons; a creator rather than an illustrator.”

Estimate: $3,000—5,000

Auction Results

Auction Date Auction House Lot # Low Est High Est Sold Price
2017-05-30 Waddington's 135 3,000 5,000 2,400.00

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