Exceptional Results: Fall 2024 Major Inuit Art Auction

December 16, 2024 By: Staff

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*Manno (1923-1973), Iqaluit (Frobisher Bay)*
*BEAR ON ICE, 1964*
*Price Realised: $13,750*

While we’ve been recognised internationally for our Inuit Art auctions since the sale of the William Eccles collection in 1978, the return of Manno’s Bear on Ice to Waddington’s has been a particularly meaningful highlight of this season.

When Manno created his best known and most enigmatic sculpture in 1964, no comparable work had been attributed to an Inuit artist. His unique vision would capture the attention of two legendary figures in Inuit art: artist, collector, and scholar George Swinton, and art dealer and collector William Eccles, who both discovered the artwork at a Waddington’s auction in 1967. Eccles would be the successful bidder of the masterful work.

We would have the opportunity to offer Eccle’s collection in the first dedicated auction of Inuit art in 1978, including Bear on Ice.

Fast forward to 2024. Waddington’s once again had the privilege of offering Bear on Ice, realising $13,750, a record for the artist. Read more about the sculpture’s journey home to Waddington’s here.

Kenojuak Ashevak is undeniably one of Canada’s most important and iconic artists. Since our first auction of Inuit art in 1978, countless examples of Kenjouak’s works have been entrusted to us. This auction featured several significant works by the artist, including the following early stencils which more than doubled their pre-sale estimates.

*BIRDS FROM THE SEA, 1960*
*sealskin stencil*
*Price Realised: $30,000*

*DOGS SEE THE SPIRITS, 1960*
*sealskin stencil*
*Price Realised: $30,000*

Depicting another beloved theme of Kenojuak’s graphic works, Observant Owl, 2009, also exceeded its pre-sale estimate to achieve $5,250.

*Osuitok Ipeelee ᐅᓱᐃᑐ ᐃᐱᓕ, RCA (1923-2005), Kinngait (Cape Dorset)*
*STRIDING CARIBOU, CA. 1988*
*Price Realised: $13,750*

Osuitok Ipeelee’s intimate understanding of the types of stone available to him allowed him to carve his caribou with a finesse and equilibrium unparalleled among his contemporaries.

In Striding Caribou, circa 1988, Osuitok has oriented the caribou with exacting skill to capture the wetted nose and mouth of the animal with a vein of contrasting light green stone. Price Realised: $13,750.

A powerful sculpture by Floyd Kuptana, Howling Mother and Mischievous Spirit, 1997, was another closely watched lot in this auction, realising a final price of $5,000.