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Ennutsiak

Ennutsiak

Iqaluit

(1896–1967)

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Ennutsiak

(1896–1967)

Ennutsiak (1896–1967) was a renowned and respected carver known for his skillful depictions of Inuit community life. Originally from the Nunavik region in northern Quebec, Ennutsiak spent the majority of his life on the land, eventually settling in Iqaluit, NU, where he became an active community leader, organizing traditional Inuit games during seasonal festivities and telling stories over the local radio broadcast. Depicting the details of everyday life in his art, Ennutsiak created captivating scenes of men butchering walrus, birthing scenes and families incorporating Christianity and southern trade goods into their households. People in Church (1965) is a fitting example, with five small figures seated, diminutive prayer books open before them. Near the end of his life and posthumously, Ennutsiak’s works gained substantial commercial success and were exhibited internationally. Currently, his works are held in several major public collections including the Canadian Museum of History, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Ennutsiak

Artist biographies provided with permission by the Inuit Art Foundation. All rights reserved.

People in Church

1965
stone, ivory ?
8.7 x 22.2 x 9.8 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Bessie Bulman Collection, Gift of the Heirs of the Bessie Bulman Estate
G-72-220

  • People in Church

    About

    People in Church

    People in Church

    Ennutsiak was born in Nunavik, and after extensively traveling around Baffin Island he settled in Iqaluit. He was an active member of his community and promoted Inuit culture by organizing traditional games and discussing myths and legends over the radio. Ennutsiak became known for his representation of community life in the arctic. It was rare for him to carve individuals; his figures are often in pairs, if not larger groups. Changes to the Inuit way of life can be seen in his work, such as the growing influence of Christianity. Unlike other sculptors, he never portrayed traditional spirits, which possibly alludes to the changes in his own belief system.


  • People in Church

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    People in Church

    People in Church