Inuit Art Eskimo Art Prints, Sculpture

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Item #

P78BL04

Price:

C$1,350

Title:

Angaguk [Shaman]

Dated:

1978 - Signed

Artist:

Anguhadluq, Luke
~~LAST ONE~~

Edition:

#50/60

Community:

Baker Lake

Ref:

Print #4 of the 1979 Baker Lake Collection

Size: inches/cm

30" x 22" x 0.1"
76.2 cm x 55.9 cm x 0.3 cm

Style:

Silkscreen

Description:

Luke Anguhadluq spent much of his life as a camp leader in the Back River area (Chantrey Inlet) north of Baker Lake, living the traditional way of life on the land. In the early 1960s, he settled in the community of Baker Lake with his wife, Marion Tuu’luq, who later became a prominent tapestry and graphic artist. Luke began drawing in 1968 at the age of 73, and participated in the printing program in Baker Lake since it began in 1969.

Although Anguhadluq was known as a skillful hunter when he lived on the land, in the community of Baker Lake he was known for his skillful drawings depicting subject matter such as drum dances or hunters in kayaks and caribou. Many of Anguhadluq’s drawings were used to make prints. His sons, Thomas Iksiraq (1941-) and Barnabus Oosuaq (1940-) who are both printers in Baker Lake, often made the prints of their father’s original drawings.

Anguhadluq died at the age of 87. The eternal hunter, Anguhadluq was buried on one of his favourite hills out on the land, where he used to watch for caribou. His casket was brought to this site by dogsled, as per his final request.

excerpt ©1997 Inuit Art Section, INAC

“From the beginning Anguhadluq seemed to have established his particular subject interests and his own way of conveying them from the three-dimensional world to two-dimensional paper. Economic of means, he suggested and abbreviated forms rather than extensively articulating them; he let the empty white areas of his paper work for him, never fearing to leave areas undisturbed (although conversely, he might completely fill the page with images or a background). He repeated forms or distorted them for realistic and visual effects, and he adjusted his perspective system to meet particular needs within his scene.”

Jean Blodgett, “Grasp Tight The Old Ways”, 1983

The Shaman's Transformation: A Journey Between Worlds

For centuries, Inuit art has captivated the world with its powerful depictions of animals, spirits, and the transformative journeys undertaken by shamans. These captivating works offer a window into a rich spiritual world where the boundaries between human, animal, and spirit are fluid, and transformation is a central theme. This newsletter explores the historical connection between shamans and the concept of transformation, shedding light on the symbolism embedded within many Inuit artworks.

In traditional Inuit society, the shaman held a unique and vital role. They were intermediaries between the human world and the spirit realm, possessing the ability to communicate with animals, heal the sick, and ensure the community's well-being. Central to their practice was the concept of transformation, a profound shift in form or consciousness that allowed them to access the power and knowledge of the spirit world.

Transformation could manifest in various ways. Shamans might journey to other realms in dreams or visions, their spirits leaving their physical bodies. They could also embody animal spirits, taking on their characteristics and powers. This could involve physical representations, such as wearing animal skins or masks, or a more spiritual merging with the animal's essence. The ability to transform was not merely a performance; it was a deeply felt experience that empowered the shaman to act on behalf of their community.

Inuit art powerfully captures these transformative experiences. We often see depictions of shamans with animal features – perhaps antlers sprouting from their heads, or their bodies merging with those of bears or caribou. These images are not simply representations of animals; they symbolize the shaman's connection to the animal world and their ability to draw upon its strength and wisdom. A shaman might be depicted mid-transformation, highlighting the fluidity between human and animal forms. These visual narratives offer a glimpse into the shaman's spiritual journey and the power they wielded.

The act of transformation was often associated with specific rituals and ceremonies. Drums, chants, and elaborate costumes played a crucial role in facilitating the shaman's journey into the spirit world. These rituals are often reflected in the art, with depictions of ceremonial objects and scenes of shamanic practice. The artwork itself can be seen as a form of ritual, a tangible expression of the shaman's spiritual power and a means of connecting with the spirit world.

Understanding the historical connection between shamans and transformation is key to appreciating the depth and complexity of Inuit art. These artworks are not simply aesthetic objects; they are powerful expressions of a spiritual worldview that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the transformative potential of the human spirit. By exploring the symbolism embedded within these pieces, we gain a deeper understanding of Inuit culture and the profound role that shamans played in maintaining balance and harmony within their communities.

We invite you to explore our online gallery, where you can discover a diverse collection of Inuit art that reflects this rich tradition of shamanism and transformation. Each piece tells a story, inviting you to connect with the spirit world and experience the power of these.

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