20th C. Inuit Soapstone Hunting Figure - Lucassie

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CLEARANCE | Antiquities & Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 27, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-05-27 10:00:00 2021-05-27 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : CLEARANCE | Antiquities & Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/clearance-antiquities-ethnographic-art-7010
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• Lot Description
  **First Time At Auction**
  
  Native American, Canada, Quebec, Hudson Bay, Inukjuak, ca. 1970s CE. A wonderful hand-carved soapstone sculpture by Lucassie Echalook (born in 1942) representing a crouching figure holding an object, perhaps a stone or seal. Standing on an integral base (on which it is signed), the fascinating figure steps forwards with his left foot, his body bundled in a thick coat with a large hood, long pants, and boots. His limbs are all bent at the knees and elbows, creating an intriguing composition with many diagonal planes converging with his crouched body. The Inuit's round face looks forward from incised, almond-shaped eyes above a broad, triangular nose and a straight, wide mouth. A sizeable sack hangs from his back, carrying an object similar to the one he holds before him with both hands. Skillfully carved, the stunning example boasts a silky-smooth surface in mottled hues of forest green and olive with natural caramel, cream, and black inclusions. Size: 5" L x 3.25" W x 6.5" H (12.7 cm x 8.3 cm x 16.5 cm)
  
  Lucassie Echalook is an Inuit sculptor who began carving in order to support his family after the passing of his father in 1950. Lucassie did not attend school, but instead spent his childhood being taught hunting skills by his father. Thus, hunting narratives have served as a main theme of his art. Due to Green Peace initiatives, however, he has now shifted to portraying spirit figures and shamanic transformations, making this carving of a hunter of greater rarity. He is regarded as "a prolific carver" by his peers and his work has been purchased and exhibited by many renowned institutions, such as the British Museum and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
  
  According to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, "An unusual feature of Lucassie's sculpture is the alignment of anatomical details such as hands or faces along the foreground edge of the block of stone. As a consequence, many of his faces and torsos are distorted into angular planes that converge abruptly. The effect is not only expressive, but adds implied movement to the central mass of the combined figures. His faces can be distinguished by their prominent almond-shaped eyes, broad noses and wide mouths."
  
  Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #164250

  Condition

  Base carved with "C / LUCASSK 22197 / YEMALUK C - 74." Lower portion repaired from at least 4 pieces with break lines visible. Expected nicks, scratches, and abrasions. Otherwise, very nice.
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