Charlie (aka Sheeguapik) Sivuarapik
Inuit, 1911 - 1968Walrus Family Group, 20th century
Not on view
Soapstone
Dimensions2 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 7 5/8 in. (7 × 21.6 × 19.4 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Keith Davis, 1982.189
Prohibited by ill health from participating in the hunting economy, Charlie Sivuarapik, (also known as Sheeguapik she-guap-ick) survived solely by his carving skill. He eventually became the first Inuit member of the Sculptors Society of Canada. Hunting is a means of survival in the harsh Arctic environment. This accounts for the recurring theme animals play in the subject of Inuit art. Most other Inuit artists are first and foremost hunters who enjoy carrying on the tradition of creating stone carvings. This particular sculpture is of interest because it depicts a group of Walruses grouped tightly together as they often appear in the wild. rather than just one solitary animal.
