Description:

A striking and evocative example of late 20th century Inuit sculpture, this Bird Seal Spirit by Albert Qayutinnuaq of Taloyoak, Nunavut, was carved in 1999 from dark grey-black serpentine stone, the dense, fine-grained carving stone favored in the Kitikmeot region. Rising 6 1/2 inches tall and compactly scaled at 1 inch deep x 1 1/2 inches wide, the work concentrates its power in a bold, transformational profile where a seal’s head with drilled eye and gently parted mouth resolves into wing-like fins and a dramatic fan of ribbed dorsal ridges that read as avian plumage. Qayutinnuaq articulates these ridges with crisp, evenly spaced cuts that catch the light and animate the satin surface, while the integral pedestal base provides excellent balance for vertical display. The stone shows fine speckling, subtle tonal shifts, and the faint natural inclusions typical of serpentine from this area, all enhanced by a hand-rubbed finish. This sculpture exemplifies Taloyoak’s celebrated spirit imagery where animal forms merge to embody narratives of transformation, protection, and the living presence of the land and sea. Included is the original Government of Canada certification tag fully completed for the artist, community, date, title Bird Seal Spirit, and control number 90159, confirming authentic hand-made Inuit origin. A refined, highly displayable work for advanced collectors seeking museum-quality Inuit art - ideal for search terms and acquisition criteria such as Inuit serpentine sculpture, Taloyoak carving, Nunavut Indigenous art, 1990s Inuit spirit figure, and certified Canadian Aboriginal artwork. Dimensions 1 inch x 1 1/2 inches x 6 1/2 inches tall. Condition presents very well with minor, unobtrusive surface rubs inherent to carving, handling, and the stone itself - ready for top-tier collection or gallery display.
90159

  • Medium: Sculptures Inuit

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November 16, 2025 11:00 AM EST
Stouffville, ON, CA

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $99,999 $1,000
$100,000 $999,999 $5,000
$1,000,000 + $10,000