Description:

An exceptional original Inuit stone sculpture by renowned Sanikiluaq carver Johnny Ammittok, this commanding 2014 work titled “Woman Picking Berries” exemplifies the refined power and symbolic resonance of contemporary Inuit art. Hand carved from dense, jet-black Belcher Islands argillite - a highly prized metamorphic stone unique to the region - the sculpture displays both raw geological majesty and masterful human form.

The composition is architectonic in its structure: Ammittok sculpts a monumental arch with its rugged, striated exterior deliberately left rough-hewn, while the interior reveals a figure of a kneeling Inuit woman, softly polished to a deep luster. She is depicted in the quiet act of gathering berries, her posture both grounded and serene, embodying a timeless narrative of subsistence, tradition, and connection to the land. Above, a carefully balanced inukshuk form rises in rhythmic tiers, symbolizing guidance and community in the Arctic landscape. The juxtaposition of the rugged natural stone and the refined carving creates a striking interplay of form, texture, and symbolism.

Executed with controlled precision and expressive subtlety, this sculpture is a testament to Ammittok’s mature style and the artistic legacy of Sanikiluaq, a community celebrated for its sculptural excellence. The smooth surfaces reveal the stone’s silky depth, while the incised facial features and heavy parka folds reflect both stylistic economy and sculptural authority.

This important work comes with its original Government of Canada certification tag, confirming authenticity and identifying the artist, title, date, and community of origin.

This is a museum-caliber example of contemporary Inuit stone sculpture - a piece that bridges cultural narrative, exceptional craftsmanship, and powerful visual presence. Ideal for discerning collectors, galleries, or institutions specializing in Indigenous Canadian art, Sanikiluaq carving traditions, and mid- to late-20th and early 21st-century Inuit sculpture.
10 1/2" x 5" x 13 1/2" tall.
F11

  • Medium: Sculptures Inuit

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

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$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