An absolutely wonderful whalebone carving called "Man Of The Past". This carving has a presence and one almost feels the spirit of man of the past emanating from the sculpture. Looking at it, you can become quite absorbed in thoughts. A bit like a catalyst for meditation. A great carving with a nice transition from the smooth, solid bone towards the more porous "raspy" open cell structure of whale bone. The carving is by Daniel Iqaqrialu from Clyde River and measures 6 inches by 9 inches by 14.5 inches.

This is a whalebone carving of a hunter with pack by Isa Piungituk from Clyde River. I am not sure about the carver as the information I have gives the name as reproduced above. I do wonder if it is the same person as Regilee Piungituk. Names are not always unique in Inuit culture. there can be variations in spelling and variations in combinations of names. The measurements are 6.5" x 8" x 9" and this carving dates from 1973. What I find attractive about whalebone carvings is the eery sense, or the mystical, spiritual sense that very often goes with a whalebone carving. Maybe it is the bone material, or maybe it is the lack of details, the vagueness of the outlines.
This carving shows nicely the heavy burden that this hunter was under while traveling. The minimal details of he face do give a good sense of the stoic nature of the traveler.