Inuit Art

November 19, 2019

LOT 44

Lot 44

JUDAS ULLULAQ (1937-1999)

JUDAS ULLULAQ (1937-1999)
Lot 44 Details
JUDAS ULLULAQ (1937-1999), Gjoa Haven / Uqsuqtuuq

SHAMAN'S FACE

stone, antler
signed in syllabics
9 x 9.5 x 3 in — 22.9 x 24.1 x 7.6 cm

Estimate $5,000-$7,000

Realised: $50,400
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
JUDAS ULLULAQ (1937-1999)
  • JUDAS ULLULAQ (1937-1999)
Provenance:

The Pat and Carl Wisoff Collection, Virginia
Images of the North, San Francisco

Literature:

Jean Blodgett, The Coming and Going of the Shaman Eskimo Shamanism and Art, 1978, p. 182

Note:

The human face or variations of the human face are often associated with shamanism, with a focus on the characteristics of the mouth. Jagged teeth, tattoos and a mouth from which something protrudes are distinctive traits. Even empty O-shaped mouths carry significance; an open mouth is almost always associated with breath, breath represents life, and also carries a person’s spirit. When a person dies, their breath, and therefore their soul, leave their body. A shaman’s breath is believed to have healing powers. If a shaman breathes on the sick, his powerful spirit emerges from his open mouth and restores the ailing victim.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 44
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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.