Vintage Inuit Bear Figurine, Indigenous Arctic Art, Soapstone and Jasper

Vintage Inuit bear figurine, carved from white soapstone, carrying a fish carved from Spotted or Dalmatian jasper.

Measurements: 4cm length x 2width x 2.5cm height cm

Price marked at $120 AUD.

In recent years Inuit art, particularly examples of early commercial artistic production, have skyrocketed in value as understanding and appreciation of indigenous art has increased amongst collectors. 

In Inuit art, the polar bear is perhaps its favourite subject; arguably the Arctic’s most iconic predator it has inspired both fear and respect among the Inuit people for centuries.

This carving’s smaller size speaks to its traditional origins in Inuit cultures, as their nomadic, migratory lifestyle meant that their art had to be easy to carry. Humber Museums has a fantastic article on Inuit ornaments, which is in the link below. Such small items were intially used as shamanic totems or important ornaments, later becoming an important part of commercial activity in the Arctic as “trade sculptures”.

This particular one is a lovely example of craftsmanship, with attention paid to the details of the carving as well as stone characteristics. Rare to find, particularly here in Australia.

References:

https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/4-inuit-carvings-net-world-record-prices/

https://humbermuseums.com/stores/curators-choice-inuit-polar-bear-bone-ornament/