Wonderfully smooth and expressive vintage soapstone carving of two seals by Jimmy Inaruli Arnamissak (1946-2003) of the Akulivik community in the very northwest corner of Canada's Quebec province. Details include adorable faces with whiskers, expressive eyes, rolls of blubber and flippers with "toes", all on top of the base carved to look like an ice floe. Signed and numbered with corresponding certificate of authenticity from the Canadian government which dates the carving to 1984. A great addition to any collection or to add to any display.

Jimmy Arnamissak devoted his life to carving, starting at the age of 14 to help support his family after his father died hunting. He regularly travelled hundreds of miles to find and quarry stone by hand and carved vignettes derived from world around him. Arnamissak's detailed carvings, with their smooth contours and compact arrangements, convey a strong sense of activity and narrative and seem to defy the solid nature of the stone from which they are carved. His carvings have been extensively shown and are in both private and museum collections.

Provenance: gifted to the seller in the 1980s by her cousin, a long time resident of Quebec.

Measures 6" w x 3 1/4" h x 2 1/4" d.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: In excellent condition, minor scuffs and natural stone impurities. Please see photos for details and condition.

Origin:
Canada

Materials & Techniques:
Soapstone

Details:
Art Subjects: Animals
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: Canada

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; In excellent condition, minor scuffs and natural stone impurities. Please see photos for details and condition.