Kiawak Ashoona
(1933-2014, Inuit; Cape Dorset/Kinngait)
Carved kneeling figure with lanyard, circa 1989
Stone and hide
Signed syllabically near bottom of figure verso
17.75" H x 12.25" W x 7.625" D
Provenance: The Guild Shop, Toronto, Ontario
Property from the Rex Gilman Chase Collection, Berkeley, CA, acquired from the above, November 27, 1989

Other Notes: Kiawak was described as a "devout Christian" whose work depicted themes of traditional Inuit mythology and legends due to their popularity with southern buyers. It has been noted that his work is reflective to older cultural values and oral traditions and that his themes focus on: shamans, "Inuit mythology," story telling, hunting and other "traditional activities," as well as mother and child pairings.

The artist said: "When I carve it is hard for me to think what the carving is going to be. I will (then) start from the head. I try to put down a lot of details in the carvings that I do. Sometimes I carve from my imagination and sometimes I carve what I have seen in the past."

Overall good condition with wear and minor scuffs commensurate with age. The stone with naturally occurring imperfections, inclusions, and weathering typical for the material. Lanyard is brittle from age and drying. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.