Waddington's

Inuit Art

November 19, 2019

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LOT 188

Lot 188

JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-)

JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-)
Lot 188 Details
JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-), Gjoa Haven / Uqsuqtuuq

LEGEND OF THE NARWHAL

stone, inset ivory
signed in syllabics, dated '96
11.5 x 9.5 x 5 in — 29.2 x 24.1 x 12.7 cm

Estimate $600-$900

Realised: $600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

More Details Below   ↓

Lot Report

Additional Images
JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-)
  • JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-)
  • JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-)
  • JOSEPH SHUQSLAK (1958-)
Provenance:

Private Collection, Ontario

Note:

Inuit tradition is rich in legends about transformations helping to explain the human relationship between nature and the spirit world.

Joseph Shuqslak's carving of a drowning woman is his portrayal of the origin legend of the narwhal. In the legend, an evil stepmother who abused her son, finally faces the son’s retribution. The son manages to persuade the woman to tie herself to a harpoon which he throws at a white whale. The whale dives into the dark depths of the ocean, dragging the woman along with him. As she sinks to the bottom, her long hair twists above her head to form the characteristic narwhal horn.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

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LOT 188
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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.