STOUFFVILLE, Ontario – Oakwood Auctions will conduct an auction on June 8 of spectacular Aboriginal fine art, Inuit carvings and masks. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers. The sale will begin Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
This specialized auction showcases 250 lots in three different categories of Aboriginal art curated to excite both serious collectors and avid art enthusiasts. Part 1 will consist of authentic Inuit stone carvings. Part 2 will cover rare original Aboriginal paintings and mixed media work. A collection of West Coast carved masks will comprise Part 3.
The Auction begins with Inuit carvings. The Inuit people have a long history of creativity dating back over a thousand years which is very much ingrained in their culture. Today, Inuit continue to carve pieces entirely by hand. With over 150 sculptures by more than 20 popular Inuit artists, this is truly a museum quality collection to view. Sculptures include, Toonoo Sharky’s Birds and Whale (above), Harley Veevee’s Drum Dancer, Limeonie Killiktee’s Bear, Bill Nasogoluak’s Brown Polar Bear, and Eyesiak Padluq’s Walrus Man.
Toonoo Sharky’s original Inuit carving Birds and Whale is expected to be the top pick. From the community of Cape Dorset, the 15¾-inch-tall sculpture was carved in 2018 and is certified authentic by the government of Canada. It is in excellent condition and has its certification tag. Sharky is one of the most respected and recognized Inuit carvers, and this piece is estimated to bring $7,000-$8,750
A spectacular offering of Aboriginal art follows, including a highlight collection of Norval Morrisseau originals. Morrisseau, known as Copper Thunderbird, is one of the most recognized and sought after Aboriginal artists.
A rare highlight of the auction are two Jane Ash Poitras originals titled, Harvest and Freedom Religion, and a rare Ashevak Kenojuak lithograph from 1979 titled Nanulu Timialu.
Poitras’s Freedom Religion, circa 2004, is in mixed media on board. This is a rarer Poitras painting as it isn’t on canvas and will draw strong bidding. This painting is in excellent condition, with no signs of damage or repair. This has been valued between $16,000-$18,000.
West Coast masks make up the last section in our auction. The West Coast native Indians are famous for their elaborate cedar dance masks, and mask carving remains an important part of their culture. There is spiritual significance to every one of these masks, as the carvers have created each one with a specific purpose. Each is carved with exceptional craftsmanship and has been exquisitely hand-painted. Pieces include, Donald Alfred’s Cod, Marcus Alfred’s Numas With Butterfly, Morris Johnny’s Bear, Thomas Bruce’s Frog, and Vincent Shaugnessy’s Dzunukwa (Wild Woman).
The top pick of this category figures to be Lot 242, Thomas Bruce’s Frog, which was carved from yellow cedar wood and was valued between $4,800-$5,500. This 2016 mask is in fantastic condition.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, Saturday, Oakwood Auction will also conduct Estate Auction: Art, Collectibles & Fine China. The auction includes three estates with over 400 lots showcasing a collection of rare figurines, fine china, vintage crystal, diamond jewelry, high-end vintage furniture, Erte serigraphs, and an original Fenwick Lansdowne painting.
For details contact Oakwood Auctions at info@oakwoodauctions.com or 905-591-7600.
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