Qikiqtaaluk
(1940–2000)
(1940–2000)
Seepee Ipellie (1940-2000) was born in the Iqaluit area. At the age of 15, he was sent to a southern hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis. He began carving at that time, and this became his main activity for the rest of his life. He was inspired by his well-respected sculptor father, Nuveeya Ipellie (1920-D), and his grandfather Ennutsiak (1896-1967), who was one of the earliest carving masters in the Iqaluit area. Three of Seepee Ipellie’s sculptures are in the collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. He is best-known for his portrayal of muskoxen, expressing their looming size and gentle nature. An unusual sculpture in the WAG collection interprets a popular game in which participants put their legs through the arms of a parka and hop about as they pretend to be a raven.
About
This game is called tulukkaujjiniq, or “pretending to be a raven.” A player’s legs are placed in the sleeves of a parka and the bulk is tied up behind. This gives the appearance of a raven and people hop about without the use of their arms. They sometimes try to knock other people over.
