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Akeeaktashuk

Akeeaktashuk

Inukjuak

(1898–1954)

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Akeeaktashuk

(1898–1954)

Akeeaktashuk was a sculptor from Inukjuak, Nunavik, QC. Many of Akeeaktashuk's works focused on human and animal subjects, often including small details such as beads for eyes. Highly prolific, Akeeaktashuk depicted voluptuous human figures and dynamic animal forms in highly polished soapstone and ivory. Often carving women or mothers and children such as Mother and Child (1953), his work was often finished with delicate inlay. Living on the land, Akeeaktashuk started carving early in life and is considered one of the best carvers from the region during his lifetime, creating works with fluid lines and gentle curves. His work has been exhibited widely in Canada, the United States and internationally, and is in major public collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Akeeaktashuk

Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads

1950
stone, stone inlay, soap inlay, black colouring
5.1 x 11 x 4.4 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, The Ian Lindsay Collection, Gift of Ian Lindsay
G-85-417

  • Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads

    About

    Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads

    ᐃᓐᓇᐅᒻᒧᑦ ᑎᒍᒻᒥᕕᒃ ᓇᓄᖃᖅᑐᓂ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐃᓅᑉ ᓂᐊᖁᖏᑦ Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads

    This work was attributed to Akeeaktashuk based on the similarities to another work that is in the Canadian Guild of Crafts collection in Quebec. Similarities can also be seen in Akeeaktashuk’s treatment of the two bear heads with his other work, such as Shaman Riding Bear Helping Spirit that is also in the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s collection.


  • Polar Bear

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    Polar Bear

    Polar Bear


  • Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads

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    Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads

    Match Holder with Bear and Human Heads