Lot 135
JOHN TIKTAK, R.C.A. (1916-1981)
Lot 135 Details
JOHN TIKTAK, R.C.A. (1916-1981), E1-266, Rankin Inlet / Kangiqliniq
TOTEM OF FACES
ivory
c. 1969-70, both sides carved with twenty two faces altogether, pierced and threaded with a skin loop at the narrow end.
15.7" x 3.9" x 1.6" — 40 x 10 x 4 cm.
Estimate $3,000-$5,000
Additional Images
Provenance:
The Sparham Collection of Inuit Art, Wales, U.K.
Literature:
George Swinton, Tiktak, Sculptor from Rankin Inlet, N.W.T., A Retrospective Exhibition, Gallery One-One-One, University of Manitoba School of Art, 1970, introduction, unpaginated
Note:
Although Tiktak began carving professionally in 1963 his work has been described as archaic in nature. This work in particular pays homage to the prehistoric period of Canadian Inuit art, reminding us of objects from the late Dorset Culture. It is carved all around and does not stand on its end or on a base, as it is meant to be handled rather than displayed much like an artifact.
Tiktak’s multiple faces carvings which he began to carve in the late 1960’s are not unusual, however his use of walrus ivory is.
In Tiktak’s 1970 retrospective exhibition catalogue, George Swinton considers Tiktak’s unique expression through his sculpture, “Tiktak is preeminently an image maker. A producer of thoughts and ideas rather than of actions or events; a maker of form rather than of subject matter; a shaper of personages rather than of persons; a creator rather than an illustrator.”