Inuit Art

November 20, 2018

LOT 185

Lot 185

KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014)

KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014)
Lot 185 Details
KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014), Cape Dorset / Kinngait

BIRD SPIRIT (NATTURALIK)

stone
22 x 10 x 17 in — 55.9 x 25.4 x 43.2 cm

Estimate $10,000-$15,000

Realised: $9,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014)
  • KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014)
  • KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014)
  • KIAWAK ASHOONA O.C., R.C.A. (1933-2014)
Provenance:

Private Collection, California

Note:

“The story of Natturalik related the well-known Inuit legend of a young woman who was abducted by an eagle and taken to the bird’s nesting area on the top of a high cliff. The girl became the eagle’s wife, but she eventually escaped. She secretly saved the skins of animals the eagle brought to her for food and wove them into a long rope that enabled her to climb down the cliff to supposed safety... The girl tried to escape from Natturalik by boat with her father, but the eagle causes a terrible storm. To save himself, the father throws his daughter into the waves...where she sinks to the bottom and lives on as the powerful sea spirit (Sedna)”

It is confirmed by the artist himself that his bird spirits are in fact depictions of Natturalik, a name that translates as Golden Eagle in Inuktitut. The powerful bird is often portrayed eating prey, as in this lot, perhaps devouring the head of Sedna’s father.

Marie Routledge & Darlene Coward Wight, Kiugak Ashoona: Stories and Imaginings from Cape Dorset, 2010, pages 114-116

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 185
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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.