Inuit Art Auction

May 30, 2017

LOT 135

Lot 135

JOHN TIKTAK, R.C.A. (1916-1981)

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

Realised: $2,400
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
JOHN TIKTAK, R.C.A. (1916-1981)
  • JOHN TIKTAK, R.C.A. (1916-1981)
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.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 135
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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.