17" Bear and Seals by Louie Uttaq Gjoa Haven *Peek a Boo*

Inuit art: Bear and Seal
Inuit Artist: Louie Uttaq
Size: 16.5" high, 11" wide, 6" deep
Community: Gjoa Haven, NU 21
Stone: Mudstone, serpentinite, limestone
id: c-115 

I love this scene.

The bear is standing on the ice flow oblivious to the two seals that are inches from away from being breakfast!

Louie is a master carver of multiple subjects.  His range is wide and always endearing.

This mudstone bear seems dazed.  Perhaps he just woke up and is scenting for his morning meal.  

Louie has suspended the two seals (carved from argillite which is the most common carving stone in the Gjoa Haven area) in the water.  This posture is not commonly seen iin Inuit carving.  

The Gjoa Haven carvers are distinguished from other regions like Cape Dorset, by their quirky carving style. The suspension of the seals is an example of this innovative approach to simulating reality.  If you are looking for more innovative styles, see our September 28, 2021 communique/blog Hidden Treasures in the Gallery. 

My hope for these seals is that the bear lumbers away to shore and settles for some berries for his snack.  And that our little seals escape to safety at least for another day.

See our notes on The Gjoa Haven Collection.

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