Kitikmeot
(1918–1986)
(1918–1986)
Joata Suqslak (1918-1985) lived in the Taloyoak area for most of his life. In 1970, he moved off the land into the community of Taloyoak. He began selling his carvings that same year and an anonymous biographical note, dated 1971, states that after only one year, “he shows great talent. His carvings express movement and are very well done.”
In 1979, he and his family moved to Gjoa Haven where he continued to carve until his death in 1985.
Suqslak’s wife, Lena, was a carver, as were his four talented brothers, Judas Ullulaq, Charlie Ugyuk, Nelson Takkiruq, and Stephen Aqqaq. He was the natural grandfather of Joseph Suqslak, and adopted Joseph at birth. Joseph Suqslak became a carver of note and his work is in the WAG collection. Four of Joata Suqslak’s carvings are in the WAG collection. They have been featured in several WAG group exhibitions, including Art & Expression of the Netsilik (1997).
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This enigmatic carving probably depicts two women who are throat-singing, as they are in the characteristic position facing each other. They may be emulating the growling sounds made by bears, or they might be female shamans shown with their bear helping spirits.
