Inuit Art Eskimo Art Prints, Sculpture

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Item #

P07CD03

Price:

C$500

Title:

Fleeting Transformation

Dated:

2007 - Signed

Artist:

Sagiatuk, Kakulu

Edition:

#21/50

Community:

Cape Dorset

Ref:

Print #3 of the 2007 Cape Dorset Collection

Size: inches/cm

28.1" x 24.4"
71.4 cm x 62 cm

Style:

Stonecut / Stencil

Description:

Kakulu was born in 1940 on the Hudson's Bay Company's supply ship Nascopie, en route from Clyde River on north Baffin to Pangnirtung. At that time, her parents and older brother were members of a small group of Inuit who had traveled from south Baffin to trap and hunt furs in the northern regions of the island. Kakulu was just a child when she moved back to the Cape Dorset area.

Kakulu began to draw in the early 1960's when the newly established co-operative introduced its graphic arts program. Many of her images explore the concept of transformation, with animals blending into other animals, humans becoming animals and vice versa. This is an important theme in traditional Inuit folklore and mythology, where the natural and supernatural worlds were mediated by the shaman. Kakulu’s 2007 print “Sedna’s Realm” is an ambitious collaboration with Studio PM in Montreal. Etching has always been well suited to Kakulu’s style and “Sedna’s Realm” is a delicately detailed, totemic arrangement of amphibious creatures as only Kakulu can imagine them.

Kakulu's mother was Ikayukta (now deceased), also one of the early contributors to the annual print collections from Cape Dorset. Her older brother was Qavaroak Tunnillie, a prolific and talented sculptor (also deceased). Kakulu is married to Saggiaktok, who for many years was a printmaker in the stonecut studio. He would frequently proof and edition those images by Kakulu that had been chosen for stonecut prints. Kakulu and Saggiaktok live in Cape Dorset with their four children.

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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