First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

LOT 11

Lot 11

PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)

PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)
Lot 11 Details
PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009), E7-990, Cape Dorset / Kinngait

DANCING BEAR

stone, ivory
c. late 1970's
13.75 x 12 x 8 in — 34.9 x 30.5 x 20.3 cm

Estimate $25,000-$35,000

Realised: $28,800
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)
  • PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)
  • PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)
  • PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)
  • PAUTA SAILA, R.C.A. (1916-2009)
Provenance:

an Ottawa private collection

Note:

Pauta Saila is widely considered to be the consummate Inuit carver of polar bears. His respect and deep affection for the animal has been well documented in books and exhibition catalogues (see Ingo Hessel, Arctic Spirit, 2006, p. 90 for one example). Pauta loved carving too, and commented in a 1998 interview (when he was 82) that he still used axes, rasps and files (see Susan Gustavison, Northern Rock, McMichael, 1999, p. 63). He did not coin the phrase “dancing bear” – he probably would have preferred “balancing bear” – but he made the theme famous, iconic, and much copied.

This splendid sculpture is situated halfway between the two examples referenced below from the Sarick Collection at the AGO, both chronologically and stylistically. It is one of Pauta’s most pleasing compositions; the bear’s torso, upper limbs and head emerge from the bear’s left leg as organically as a tree grows from its trunk. Pauta’s massing and balancing of the sculptural forms is brilliant; the work is marvelous viewed from every angle. As seen in this artist’s other best works, the bear’s formidable power is expressed through a compression of form in the drawn-in limbs that appear ready to punch forth in every direction. We feel the latent energy as much as we see it.

One factor that made this Dancing Bear one of Pauta’s most beautiful and perfectly realized sculptures is the luscious, slightly translucent serpentinite from which it is carved. The white marble and brown-green Markham Bay stones did yield the artist some great works in the early-mid 1970s, but they were difficult to carve and did not lend themselves to fine detail and polish. Pauta must have felt truly liberated with this material.

References: for other fine examples of balancing (“dancing”) bears by Pauta see Ingo Hessel, Inuit Art: An Introduction (Douglas & McIntyre, 1998) cover and p. 125 (from 1984 in the Sarick Collection, AGO); also Gerald McMaster ed., Inuit Modern (2010) p. 117 (from 1973, also Sarick, AGO). See also Walker’s May 2012, Lot 24; Walker’s Nov. 2012, Lots 22 and 77; Walker’s May 2013, Lot 15; Walker’s Nov. 2015, Lot 203; Walker’s Nov. 2017, Lot 62.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 11
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.