Description:

An original Inuit sculpture titled Two Faces by Davie Atchealak of Iqaluit, Nunavut, carved in 2004 and accompanied by its Government of Canada certification tag filled out with the artist name, community, title, and date. The material is fossilized whalebone, unmistakable throughout the piece in the naturally porous cellular structure visible in every close up and edge view, and in the pale grey to bone white tonality that catches the light across the striated tool work. Rising 15 1/2 inches high on an integral whalebone base, the composition celebrates transformation and duality - a pair of exuberant human visages emerges from a fan of radiating carved flutes, the forms twisting skyward with a fluid, totemic rhythm before tapering into a slender neck that resolves into a low relief sea mammal element at the foot, an homage to Arctic life. The opposing faces are fully modeled, each with smiling mouth and high cheekbones, and the artist’s confident carving makes skillful use of the bone’s natural voids to animate the surface. The work reads beautifully in the round as shown, with deeply cut pleats, crisp ridges, and smooth transitions that create dramatic shadows when displayed under light. Condition is very good for whalebone of this scale with the expected natural pits, age flecking, and minor stable age lines at junctions, no distracting losses and no evidence of restoration observed. Measuring 8 inches wide x 6 inches deep x 15 1/2 inches tall, this important and large certified example by Davie Atchealak - Iqaluit - 2004 - Two Faces - Fossilized Whalebone - will appeal to advanced collectors of Inuit art seeking museum quality whalebone sculpture with strong presence, superb carving detail, and impeccable authenticity. Included is the original certification tag issued by the Government of Canada confirming artist, community, title, and date.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

COD (cash on delivery), MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Paypal, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Please refer to item 20-24 in Oakwood Auctions Terms and Conditions of Sale for all Collection and Shipping terms

April 5, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Stouffville, ON, CA

Oakwood Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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