Karoo Ashevak Sold at Auction Prices

Sculptor

KAROO ASHEVAK (MUNGNELLI)

Born: 1940 Male E4-196
Died: October, 1974
Resided: Taloyoak
Sculpture

"In the short span of an artistic career that lasted only about four years
before his death in 1974, Karoo Ashevak established himself as one of the
major contemporary Inuit sculptors. Working primarily in whalebone, using
stone, antler, ivory and baleen mostly for insets and embellishments, Karoo
carved spirits, shamans, walruses, bears, birds, human figures and heads.
These works are characterized by a lively sense of animation, religious
undertones, humour and an assured and acccomplished sculptural genius."


Jean Blodgett, from
Grasp Tight the Old Ways 1983

EXHIBITIONS:

June - July 1970 Sculpture
Canadian Eskimo Arts Council
a competition/exhibition organized as
a contribution to the Centennial of the
N.W.T.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
(illustrated catalogue)

June - September 1973 Cultures of the Sun and the Snow:
Indian and Eskimo Art of the Americas
Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal
held at "Man and His World"
Montreal, Quebec
(illustrated catalogue)

December 1973 Spirits by Karoo Ashevak and Other
Sculptors of Spence Bay
Franz Bader Gallery
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

1974 Inuit Sculpture 1974/Sculpture Inuit 1974
Lippel Gallery
Montreal, Quebec
(illustrated catalogue)

March - July 1975 Art/Inuit/Art: The Rothmans Permanent
Collection of Eskimo Sculpture
Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

Oct 1975 - Dec 1977 Inuit Games/Inuit Pinguangit/Jeux des inuit
Department of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development
Ottawa, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated brochure)

March 1977 White Sculpture of the Inuit
Simon Fraser Gallery,
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia
(illustrated catalogue)

March - June 1978 The Coming and Going of the Shaman:
Eskimo Shamanism and Art
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(illustrated catalogue)

March - April 1979 Sculpture of the Inuit: Lorne Balshine
Collection/Lou Osipov Collection/
Dr. Harry Winrob Collection
Surrey Art Gallery
Surrey, British Columbia
(illustrated catalogue)

July 1979 - May 1980 Inuit Art in the 1970s
Department of Indian Affairs
and Northern Development, and the
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Kingston, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

Nov - Dec 1979 Rothmans' Collection of Inuit Sculpture
Kitchener - Waterloo Art Gallery
Waterloo, Ontario

February - March 1980 First Annual Collectors' Invitational Exhibition
Inuk 1/Eskimo Art
San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

April 1980 Whalebone Carvings and Inuit Prints
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Art Gallery
St. John's, Newfoundland
(illustrated catalogue)

April - May 1980 The Klamer Family Collection of Inuit
Art from the Art Gallery of Ontario
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario
(illustrated catalogue)

Apr 1981 - Mar 1982 Inuit Art: A Selection of Inuit Art from
the Collection of the National Museum of
Man, Ottawa, and the Rothmans Permanent
Collection of Inuit Sculpture, Canada
National Museum of Man, Ottawa and
Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

May - Sep 1981 Spirits and Shamans/Esprits et chamans
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development
Ottawa, Ontario

October 1981 Inuit Masks
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
(illustrated catalogue)

April 1982 Sculpture Inuit: Stone/Bone
circa 1960-1979
Canadiana Galleries
Edmonton, Alberta

October - Dec 1982 Collector's Choice: 1965-1980
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
(illustrated catalogue)

May 1983 - April 1985 Grasp Tight the Old Ways: Selections from
the Klamer Family Collection of Inuit Art
Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

Oct - Dec 1983 Inuit Masterworks: Selections from
the Collection of Indian and Northern
Affairs Canada
McMichael Canadian Collection
Kleinburg, Ontario

Nov 1984 - Feb 1985 Stones, Bones, Cloth, and Paper:
Inuit Art in Edmonton Collections
Edmonton Art Gallery
Edmonton, Alberta

1985 - 1986 Sanaugasi Takujaksat: A Travelling
Celebration of Inuit Sculpture
Presented by Canadian Arctic Producers
Ltd., with the assistance of
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada,
Ottawa
(tour)
(illustrated brochure)

March - May 1985 Uumajut: Animal Imagery in Inuit Art
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(illustrated catalogue)

December 1985 Masterwork Sculpture 1985
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
(illustrated catalogue)

May - June 1986 The Spirit of the Land
The Koffler Gallery
Toronto, Ontario
(illustrated brochure)

July - September 1986 Contemporary Inuit Art
National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
(illustrated brochure)

Jul 1986 - Feb 1988 Selections from the John and Mary Robertson
Collection of Inuit Art
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

1987 Collectable Sculpture 1987
Webster Galleries
Calgary, Alberta
(illustrated catalogue)

June - September 1988 Building on Strengths: New Inuit Art
from the Collection
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Winnipeg, Manitoba

December 1988 - 1989 Im Schatten der Sonne:Zeitgenossische Kunst
der Indianer und Eskimos in Kanada/In the
Shadow of the Sun:Contemporary Indian and Inuit
Art in Canada
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Ottawa, Ontario
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

Jan - Feb 1989 The Early Years: Sculpture from the 50's and 60's
The Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art
Toronto, Ontario
(illustrated brochure)

May 1989 Kitikmeot
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
(illustrated catalogue)

June 1989 Masters of the Arctic: An Exhibition
of Contemporary Inuit Masterworks
Presented by the Amway Corporation
at the United Nations General Assembly
New York, New York, U.S.A.
(tour)
(illustrated catalogue)

1990 Inuit Art From the Glenbow Collection
Glenbow Museum
Calgary, Alberta

Jan - Sep 1990 Arctic Mirror
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Hull, Quebec

February - June 1991 Granville Island Canadian Inuit Sculpture
Exhibition (first exhibition)
Vancouver Inuit Art Society
Vancouver, British Columbia

Nov 1993 - Mar 1994 The Inuit Imagination
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Winnipeg, Manitoba

March - July 1995 Immaginario Inuit
Arte e cultura degli esquimesi canadesi
Galleria d'Arte Moderna
e Contemporanea
Verona, Italy
(illustrated catalogue)

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:

March 1972 Karoo Ashevak Sculpture
The Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art
Toronto, Ontario

January - February 1973 Karoo Ashevak: Spirits
American Indian Arts Centre
New York, New York, U.S.A.
(illustrated catalogue)

March 1973 Karoo Ashevak Whalebone Sculpture
Lippel Gallery
Montreal, Quebec

March - June 1977 Karoo Ashevak
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(illustrated catalogue)

April 1977 Karoo Ashevak 1940 - 1974 Sculpture
The Upstairs Gallery
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(illustrated catalogue)

Oct 1994 - Mar 1995 Karoo in Ottawa
National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario

COLLECTIONS:

Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A.
Amway Environmental Foundation Collection, Ada, Michigan, U.S.A.
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec
Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta
Inuit Cultural Institute, Rankin Inlet, Northwest Territories
Klamer Family Collection, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario
McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario
Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Rothmans Permanent Collection of Eskimo Sculpture, Toronto, Ontario
Sarick Collection, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba

HONOURS, ACHIEVEMENTS and EVENTS:

1970 Received a third award and an honourable mention in the Northwest
Territories Sculpture competition.

1973 Attended the opening of his solo exhibition at the American Indian
Arts Centre, New York.

1989 Karoo's "Spirit" carving was on the cover of the Winter issue of Inuit Art
Quarterly magazine.

SELECTED REFERENCES:


IM SCHATTEN DER SONNE: Zeitgenoessische Kunst der Indianer und
Eskimos in Kanada. [In the Shadow of the Sun: Contemporary Art
of the Indians and Eskimos in Canada]. Stuttgart: Edition
Cantz. Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Civilization, 1988.


MASTERS OF THE ARCTIC: An Exhibition of Contemporary Inuit
Masterworks. Ada, Michigan: Amway Corporation, 1989.

American Indian Arts Center
KAROO ASHEVAK: Spirits. New York: American Indian Arts Center,
1973.

Blodgett, Jean
GRASP TIGHT THE OLD WAYS: Selections from the Klamer Family
Collection of Inuit Art. Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 1983.

Blodgett, Jean
KAROO ASHEVAK. Winnipeg: The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1977.

Blodgett, Jean
KAROO ASHEVAK: IN The Canadian Encyclopedia, James H. Marsh,
editor-in-chief. Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 2:933, 1985.

Blodgett, Jean
SELECTIONS FROM THE JOHN AND MARY ROBERTSON COLLECTION OF INUIT
SCULPTURE. Kingston, Ont. : Queens University, The Agnes
Etherington Art Centre, 1986.

Blodgett, Jean
THE COMING AND GOING OF THE SHAMAN: Eskimo Shamanism and Art.
Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1979.

Bromfield, Abjon
OPERATION WHALEBONE. North, vol. 16, no. 6, November-December,
1969. pp.1-7.

Canadian Eskimo Arts Council
SCULPTURE. Ottawa: Canadian Eskimo Arts Council, 1970.

Cook, Cynthia
KAROO IN OTTAWA: Transcending the Specifics of Inuit Heritage.
Inuit Art Quarterly, 10(2) Summer 1995, pp. 32-37.

Driscoll, Bernadette
UUMAJUT: Animal Imagery in Inuit art. Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art
Gallery, 1985.

Government of the Northwest Territories
ANAIJA AND KAROO [ASHEVAK]. Produced by the Department of
Industry and Development of the Government of the Northwest
Territories; directed by Andrew J. Steen with Jean Oser, 1971.

Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
COLLECTOR'S CHOICE: 1965 - 1980. Vancouver: Inuit Gallery, l982.

Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
INUIT MASKS. Vancouver: Inuit Gallery, n.d.

Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
KITIKMEOT. Vancouver: Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, 1989.

Koffler Gallery
THE SPIRIT OF THE LAND. North York, Ont. : Jewish Community
Centre, 1986.

Lippel Gallery Inc.
INUIT SCULPTURE 1974/SCULPTURE INUIT 1974. Montreal: Lippel
Gallery Inc, 1974.

McNeill, Robin
THE SPIRIT WORLD OF KAROO ASHEVAK. North/Nord, vol. 22, no. 6,
November-December, 1975. pp.2-5.

Memorial University of Newfoundland. Art Gallery
WHALE BONE CARVINGS AND INUIT PRINTS. St. John's: Memorial
University of Newfoundland. Art Gallery, 1980.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
CULTURES OF THE SUN AND THE SNOW = CULTURES DU SOLEIL ET DE LA
NEIGE. Montreal: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1973.

Moore, Lisa
ART OF THE INUIT. The Whig Standard Magazine, August 2, 1986.

Oxorn, Pearl
AESTHETICS OF ESKIMO ART: Comparison with Other Cultures and
Visual Elements of Style. (Part II). Arts & Culture of the
North, vol. 5, no. 2, Spring, 1981. pp. 330-333.

Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada Limited
ART/INUIT/ART: La Collection Permanente de Sculpture
Esquimaudes Rothmans/The Rothmans Permanent Collection of Eskimo
Sculpture. No publication information, 1975.

Routledge, Marie
INUIT ART IN THE 1970s/L'ART INUIT ACTUEL: 1970-79. Kingston,
Ont. : The Agnes Etherington Art Centre, 1979.

Seidelman, Harold and James Turner
THE INUIT IMAGINATION: Arctic Myth and Sculpture.
Vancouver/Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre, 1993.

Simon Fraser Gallery
WHITE SCULPTURE OF THE INUIT. Burnaby: The Simon Fraser
Gallery, 1977.

Surrey Art Gallery
SCULPTURE OF THE INUIT: Lorne Balshine Collection/Lou Osipov
Collection/Dr. Harry Winrob Collection. Surrey: The Surrey Art
Gallery, 1978.

Svensson, Tom G.
ETHNIC ART IN THE NORTHERN FOURTH WORLD: THE NETSILIK. in:
ETUDES INUIT STUDIES, Vol. 19, No.1, pp. 69-102, 1995.

Upstairs Gallery
KAROO ASHEVAK 1940-1974: Sculpture. Winnipeg: The Upstairs
Gallery, 1977.

Verona. Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
IMMAGINARIO INUIT: ARTE E CULTURA DEGLI ESQUIMESICANADESI.
Commune di Verona: Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di
Palazzo Forti, 1995.

Wight, Darlene
BUILDING ON STRENGTHS: New Inuit Art from the Collection.
Tableau, vol. 1, no.5, 1988. p.4.

Wight, Darlene
COMMUNITY PROFILES: THE CENTRAL ARCTIC. Inuit Art and Crafts,
no.2, December 1984. pp. 4-21.

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    • Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak), A carved whalebone bird figure, mid-20th century
      Jun. 04, 2024

      Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak), A carved whalebone bird figure, mid-20th century

      Est: $700 - $900

      Y Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak) A carved whalebone bird figure, mid-20th century Annotated in pen to underside, possibly by another hand: Karoo Ashevak The bird depicted standing with wings outstretched

      John Moran Auctioneers
    • Karoo Ashevak ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), SPIRIT, CA. 1971
      May. 29, 2024

      Karoo Ashevak ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), SPIRIT, CA. 1971

      Est: $7,000 - $9,000

      Karoo Ashevak ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), Taloyoak (Spence Bay) SPIRIT, CA. 1971 whalebone, stone, ivory, signed in syllabics Estimate: $7,000—9,000 Important: Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists for further details.

      Waddington's
    • Karoo Ashevak ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), SPIRIT, 1972
      May. 29, 2024

      Karoo Ashevak ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), SPIRIT, 1972

      Est: $30,000 - $50,000

      Karoo Ashevak ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), Taloyoak (Spence Bay) SPIRIT, 1972 whalebone, antler, stone, signed in syllabics Estimate: $30,000—50,000 Important: Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists for further details.

      Waddington's
    • Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak), Carved bird figure
      Nov. 15, 2023

      Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak), Carved bird figure

      Est: $2,500 - $3,500

      Y Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak) Carved bird figure Whalebone Annotated in pen to underside, possibly by another hand: Karoo Ashevak

      John Moran Auctioneers
    • 1970s Inuit Whalebone "Spirit Figure" Karoo Ashevak
      Aug. 11, 2023

      1970s Inuit Whalebone "Spirit Figure" Karoo Ashevak

      Est: $5,500 - $8,250

      **Originally Listed At $3000** Karoo Ashevak (First Nations, Inuk, 1940 to 1974), "Spirit Figure", whalebone, ca. 1970s CE. An intriguing whale bone carving of an abstract human face and an elongated body- perhaps a transforming shaman or supernatural spirit. Karoo Ashevak’s signature in Inuktitut syllabics is initialed on the base; a separate disc set upon a peg. Ashevak is one of the most famous contemporary Inuit sculptors, achieving a reputation in his community during his career, and more so internationally after his death. He is known for his spirit-figures that reflect his Inuit heritage in the arctic territory Nunavut Canada. Whale bone sculpture requires the use of older bone that has dried and ossified - new bone will splinter and be too oily to carve- hence the wonderfully aged and weathered appearance. Size: 9" L x 4" W x 6" H (22.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 15.2 cm) The traditional Inuit way of life was becoming increasingly difficult in the mid-20th century, Ashevak and his wife moved to Taloyoak in attempt to find paying jobs. A Canadian government funded arts and crafts program had been set up in the region to encourage commerce and Ashevak joined. Inuit sculptures were shipped south to Ottawa and other provenances, where they were well received. Interestingly, whalebone, although the traditional material, was scarce and was flown in by plane. Ashevak won third place in a 1970 competition, and 1972 a solo exhibition in Toronto, but his fame didn’t begin until his 1973 exhibition in New York. He had a short career lasting about 4 years before his death in 1974, with an estimated 250 works produced, but he had become one of the most famous contemporary Inuit sculptors, and posthumous exhibitions bolstered his fame. Karoo Ashevak and his wife both died tragically in a house fire, months after the equally heartbreaking death of their adopted son. Provenance: private Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #178806

      Artemis Gallery
    • 1970s Inuit Whalebone Sculpture Bird w/ Nest - Karoo Ashevak
      Jul. 21, 2023

      1970s Inuit Whalebone Sculpture Bird w/ Nest - Karoo Ashevak

      Est: $3,000 - $4,500

      Karoo Ashevak (First Nations, Inuk, 1940 to 1974), “Mother Bird & Nest”, whalebone, ca. 1970s CE. A whale bone carving of a mother bird perched on a base, a separate bone in her mouth, a twig for building the separate nest – that contains 2 polished bone eggs. This piece is purportedly by Karoo Ashevak, one of the most famous contemporary Inuit sculptors, achieving a reputation in his community during his career, and more so internationally after his death. He is known for his spirit-figures that reflect his Inuit heritage in the arctic territory Nunavut Canada. The underside contains a written label with his name and came from a collection that contained signed Ashevak pieces. Size of bird: 10" L x 4" W x 10" H (25.4 cm x 10.2 cm x 25.4 cm) Provenance: private Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #178775

      Artemis Gallery
    • 1970s Inuit Whalebone "Spirit Figure" Karoo Ashevak
      Jun. 29, 2023

      1970s Inuit Whalebone "Spirit Figure" Karoo Ashevak

      Est: $6,000 - $9,000

      Karoo Ashevak (First Nations, Inuk, 1940 to 1974), "Spirit Figure", whalebone, ca. 1970s CE. An intriguing whale bone carving of an abstract human face and an elongated body- perhaps a transforming shaman or supernatural spirit. Karoo Ashevak’s signature in Inuktitut syllabics is initialed on the base; a separate disc set upon a peg. Ashevak is one of the most famous contemporary Inuit sculptors, achieving a reputation in his community during his career, and more so internationally after his death. He is known for his spirit-figures that reflect his Inuit heritage in the arctic territory Nunavut Canada. Whale bone sculpture requires the use of older bone that has dried and ossified - new bone will splinter and be too oily to carve- hence the wonderfully aged and weathered appearance. Size: 9" L x 4" W x 6" H (22.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 15.2 cm) The traditional Inuit way of life was becoming increasingly difficult in the mid-20th century, Ashevak and his wife moved to Taloyoak in attempt to find paying jobs. A Canadian government funded arts and crafts program had been set up in the region to encourage commerce and Ashevak joined. Inuit sculptures were shipped south to Ottawa and other provenances, where they were well received. Interestingly, whalebone, although the traditional material, was scarce and was flown in by plane. Ashevak won third place in a 1970 competition, and 1972 a solo exhibition in Toronto, but his fame didn’t begin until his 1973 exhibition in New York. He had a short career lasting about 4 years before his death in 1974, with an estimated 250 works produced, but he had become one of the most famous contemporary Inuit sculptors, and posthumous exhibitions bolstered his fame. Karoo Ashevak and his wife both died tragically in a house fire, months after the equally heartbreaking death of their adopted son. Provenance: private Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #178806

      Artemis Gallery
    • Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak), Carved bird figure
      Jun. 06, 2023

      Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak), Carved bird figure

      Est: $5,000 - $7,000

      Y Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974, Inuit; Spence Bay/Taloyoak) Carved bird figure Whalebone Annotated in pen to underside, possibly by another hand: Karoo Ashevak

      John Moran Auctioneers
    • A Karoo Ashevak sculpture
      Aug. 31, 2022

      A Karoo Ashevak sculpture

      Est: $15,000 - $25,000

      Karoo Ashevak / Mungnelli Inuit, Spence Bay/Taloyoak, (1940-1974), a carved whalebone sculpture depicting a flying figure, a second face verso, signed in syllabics. height 13 3/8in, width 12 3/8in, depth 5 3/4in For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

      Bonhams
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD IN NEST WITH EGGS, bone, 7.5 x 14.5 x 6 in — 19.1 x 36.8 x 15.2 cm
      Sep. 16, 2020

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD IN NEST WITH EGGS, bone, 7.5 x 14.5 x 6 in — 19.1 x 36.8 x 15.2 cm

      Est: $4,000 - $6,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ, SPENCE BAY / TALOYOAK BIRD IN NEST WITH EGGS bone, c.1970 7.5 x 14.5 x 6 in — 19.1 x 36.8 x 15.2 cm Provenance: Private Collection, Montreal, PQ Estimate: $4,000—6,000

      Waddington's
    • Karoo Ashevak (Inuit, Kitikmeot Region, 1940-1974) "Flying Bird"
      Jul. 22, 2020

      Karoo Ashevak (Inuit, Kitikmeot Region, 1940-1974) "Flying Bird"

      Est: $3,000 - $5,000

      Karoo Ashevak (Inuit, Kitikmeot Region, 1940-1974) "Flying Bird," c.1973, antique whale bone. On separate signed base. Provenance: Lippel Gallery, Montreal. Loss to extended wing. Size: 12.5'' x 8'' x 9'' (32 x 20 x 23 cm). Height with stand: 17.5" (44 cm).

      Material Culture
    • An Inuit Carved Bone Sculpture of standing figure, signed Karoo Ashevak (1940 – October 19, 1974), 35cm
      Sep. 17, 2018

      An Inuit Carved Bone Sculpture of standing figure, signed Karoo Ashevak (1940 – October 19, 1974), 35cm

      Est: £300 - £500

      An Inuit Carved Bone Sculpture of standing figure, signed Karoo Ashevak (1940 – October 19, 1974), 35cm

      Piers Motley Auctions
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN WITH OPPOSING FACES, bone, stone, ivory, 15 x 10 x 7 in — 40.6 x 25.4 x 19.1 cm
      May. 29, 2018

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN WITH OPPOSING FACES, bone, stone, ivory, 15 x 10 x 7 in — 40.6 x 25.4 x 19.1 cm

      Est: $30,000 - $40,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), ᑲᕈ ᐊᓴᕙ, E4-196, SPENCE BAY / TALOYOAKSHAMAN WITH OPPOSING FACESbone, stone, ivory, c. 197315 x 10 x 7 in — 40.6 x 25.4 x 19.1 cmProvenance:Waddington’s, Toronto, May 30, 1989, lot 616Literature:Inuit Art Foundation. “Karoo Ashevak”. Accessed 4 April, 2018. https://iad.inuitartfoundation.org/artist/Karoo-Ashevak/bio-citationsLaugrand, Frederick B and Jarich G Oosten. Inuit Christianity and Shamanism: Transitions and Transformations in the Twentieth Century. Montreal and Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2010. Summary. Lutz, Maija. Hunters, Carvers and Collectors: The Chauncy C. Nash Collection of Inuit Art. Cambridge: Peabody Museum Press, Harvard University, 2012. Pg. 51 Gallpen, Britt. “From the Editor”. In Inuit Art Quarterly, Spring 2018: Bone. Toronto: Inuit Art Foundation, 2018. Winnipeg Art Gallery. “Karoo Ashevak”. Accessed 4 April 2018. http://wag.ca/art/collections/inuit-art/display,collection/61098The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Karoo Ashevak”. Historica Canada. Accessed 4 April 2018. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/karoo-ashevak/Katilvik.com. “Karoo Ashevak biography”. Waddington’s Art Auctioneers and Appraisers. Accessed 5 April 2018. http://www.katilvik.com/content/bio/view.php?bid=664&criteria=community&q=Spence%20BayThe Canadian Encyclopedia. “Inuit”. Historica Canada. Accessed 4 April, 2018. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/inuit/Note:By the time Karoo Ashevak was emerging as an artist, Inuit art had seen many variations and fluctuations, but a narrative of traditional ways of life, modes of survival, mythology, shamanism and arctic animals remained a common theme. Born in 1940 in the Kitikmeot region of what is now Nunavut and raised in the Taloyoak community, one of the last areas to experience the dramatic change of the new government policies, Karoo Ashevak lived a nomadic, traditional lifestyle as a hunter until 1968, at which time he and his family settled in Taloyoak. Introduced to arts and sculpture through the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada initiative, he quickly became known and sought out for his unique and unexpected sculptures and by 1972 he had a solo show at the prestigious National Museum of the American Indian in New York City. Ashevak’s principal medium was whalebone, though he used caribou antler, soapstone and ivory as well, and his expressive and playful sculptures of Inuit spirits defied the trend set by his contemporaries towards naturalism. His whimsical, grotesque, and amorphous figures challenged the Southern Canadian stereotype and expectation of what Inuit art was “supposed to look like”, and Ashevak is largely considered a creative catalyst for artistic change within his own community. Known for his treatment of bone that contrasts large refined and un-embellished expanses with sections of intricate detail, Shaman with Opposing Faces, with its torso like shape atop two small legs, is a keen example of this characteristic style. The smooth surface of the figure highlights not only the facial features and wide open mouth with intricately carved teeth, but also hints at the temporality of the scene, as if the shaman’s frenzied vision or dream has stepped into the visible world only for a brief moment. As highly respected leaders within the Inuit community, shamans are thought to bridge the divide between the earthly and spiritual world, and the two sides of this sculpture cleverly represent this duality. Ashevak’s bulbous, imaginative and distorted figures lend themselves well to shamanistic representation, and through these whimsical sculptures he makes powerful emotions and traditional stories come alive for the viewer. With the onset of Christianity in Inuit communities, the shaman and other long held beliefs were challenged and often criticized, but through a dynamic artistic practice and industry, the Inuit have transformed and altogether adapted to such outside influences; and Ashevak’s sculptures stand at the forefront of this simultaneous resistance and incorporation. After bursting onto the contemporary art scene, Ashevak’s promising career was cut tragically short when he and his family died in a house fire in 1974. He has left behind only about 250 works representing Inuit life and culture through a vibrant, expressive and playful aesthetic unique to the artist.Estimate: $30,000—40,000

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN DRUM DANCING, bone, 21.5" x 10" x 15" — 58.4 x 25.4 x 38.1 cm.
      May. 30, 2017

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN DRUM DANCING, bone, 21.5" x 10" x 15" — 58.4 x 25.4 x 38.1 cm.

      Est: $20,000 - $25,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAY / TALOYOAKSHAMAN DRUM DANCINGbone, signed in syllabics, c. 197121.5" x 10" x 15" — 58.4 x 25.4 x 38.1 cm.Provenance:Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, November 1983, lot 101A, Private Collection, TorontoLiterature:Jean Blodgett, Karoo Ashevak, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1977, unpaginatedNote:For Ashevak, “The subject matter of the majority of his sculpture is directly related to his own cultural heritage... his roots were very deep in the Netsilik spiritual world of the Central Arctic. Religious beliefs and ritual observances had a great influence on Netsilik social life and formed the intellectual basis of its culture.” The shaman, being the one consistent theme in Ashevak’s work, “performed some of his more spectacular feats during shamanic seances. To set the stage in most such ceremonies and gatherings, all those present were united under the influence of concerted drumming, dancing and singing done by the shaman with the accompaniment of his audience. The essential ritual instrument of the Eskimo shaman remains the drum.”Ashevak’s work has always appealed to a wider collector base. Even with his work’s strong spiritual undertones they surpass the preconceived notions of what Inuit Art is or should be. His works are unmatched in artistic quality and skillful execution; they belong, and do reside, in the most important private and public art collections. In fact, this particular Shaman Drum Dancing lived amongst a prestigious private collection of historical Canadian artwork for the last three and a half decades. Last season, at Waddington’s, the market set a new benchmark for the value of his sculptures with a record price of $132,000 for his Spirit Faces.Estimate: $20,000—25,000

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPIRIT FACES (TOOTH PULL), A monumental work in dense whalebone carved to both sides with dramatic shaman or spirit faces, highlighted by antler, stone and bone inlaid eyes and with inset bone teeth. The tattooed face
      Nov. 22, 2016

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPIRIT FACES (TOOTH PULL), A monumental work in dense whalebone carved to both sides with dramatic shaman or spirit faces, highlighted by antler, stone and bone inlaid eyes and with inset bone teeth. The tattooed face

      Est: $35,000 - $45,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPENCE BAY / TALOYOAKSPIRIT FACES (TOOTH PULL)A monumental work in dense whalebone carved to both sides with dramatic shaman or spirit faces, highlighted by antler, stone and bone inlaid eyes and with inset bone teeth. The tattooed face grinning widely with a prominent third eye and the opposing face with crossed eyes, mouth agape and a removable tooth attached by sinew, signed in syllabics14" x 19" x 6" — 35.6 x 48.3 x 15.2 cm.Provenance:Acquired directly from the artist by a gallery owner, Yellowknife,By descent to present owner, British ColumbiaNote:Karoo Ashevak is perhaps the most internationally recognized Canadian Inuit sculptor. Very few works prior to 1970 have been discovered, his main body of work was created during four short years before his untimely death in 1974. His work brought him great joy, Karoo’s sister, Eeteemunga remembered “seeing him working on huge pieces. He was always so full of joy as he worked away on a new piece. He was also so proud of himself. He would pause and study a piece that he was working on... thinking or meditating. Sometimes he would put it aside...and glance at it from a distance... When he finished he would be pouring with sweat and looking joyful and exuberant!”Like many of Karoo’s works there is a not so hidden narrative behind his carving. This work shows two opposing faces, the first with a joyous expression and a prominent toothy grin, the second clearly expressing distress conveyed humorously as the top tooth is pulled out by a piece of thread (traditional sinew has been used here). Exhibiting many characteristics that indicate his most developed and mature artistic phase, this work is dated circa 1973/74. Estimate: $35,000—45,000

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK, TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY, SPIRIT, bone, stone, 13.5 ins x 6 ins; 34.4 cms x 15.2 cms
      May. 30, 2016

      KAROO ASHEVAK, TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY, SPIRIT, bone, stone, 13.5 ins x 6 ins; 34.4 cms x 15.2 cms

      Est: $8,000 - $12,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK, TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAYSPIRITbone, stonesigned in syllabics 13.5 ins x 6 ins; 34.4 cms x 15.2 cms Provenance:Collection of Lolo Sarnoff, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A,Private Collection, Washington, DC, U.S.A.Note:This cat-like creature is one of Ashevak’s more simplified inspirations, yet the work has no less impact on the viewer. Purchased in New York City in the early 1970’s by sculptor, arts patron, and scientist Lolo Sarnoff and later gifted to her dear friend, the consigner, the work has been admired in prestigious art circles. In the spring of 2015, Lolo Sarnoff’s extraordinary art collection was auctioned at Sotheby’s. The collection ranged from Impressionist & Modern Art including works by Picasso, Chagall and Renoir to Chinese art and French Faience porcelain. *This lot resides in the United States and is being sold from the photographs and description. Buyers who reside outside the U.S. should be aware of CITES restrictions. This item is available to U.S. clients only.

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK, TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY, BIRD IN NEST WITH EGGS, bone, 7.5 ins x 14.5 ins x 6 ins; 19.1 cms x 36.8 cms x 15.2 cms
      May. 30, 2016

      KAROO ASHEVAK, TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY, BIRD IN NEST WITH EGGS, bone, 7.5 ins x 14.5 ins x 6 ins; 19.1 cms x 36.8 cms x 15.2 cms

      Est: $3,000 - $5,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK, TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAYBIRD IN NEST WITH EGGSbonec. 1970 7.5 ins x 14.5 ins x 6 ins; 19.1 cms x 36.8 cms x 15.2 cms Note:The shape and smoothness that Ashevak could create from a dense and difficult piece of whalebone will forever fascinate the onlooker. In the art world where “look but don’t touch” is the motto of museums and art galleries, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to physically handle Ashevak’s work. One only has to hold one of his perfect bone eggs in their hand to fully appreciate the sensory appeal of his sculpture. There are many examples of his birds in collections and exhibitions. This work is almost a prelude to some of his later more exaggerated creations such as plate 18 in the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s 1977 exhibition. In the same publication, plate 2 & 3 show similar treatments to the wings and eyes perhaps indicative of a more restrained period for the artist. Ashevak’s first one man show outside of Canada was held at the American Indian Arts Center in New York in 1973, where two of the fifteen works forming this exhibition were of a bird protecting its nest of eggs. The base which serves as the nest of number 14 from the show catalogue is remarkably similar to the one in this lot.

      Waddington's
    • Possibly KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), AN OWL ON A BASE, bone, inset wood, 6.25" x 1.75" x 2.5" — 15.9 x 4.4 x 6.4 cm.
      Nov. 16, 2015

      Possibly KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), AN OWL ON A BASE, bone, inset wood, 6.25" x 1.75" x 2.5" — 15.9 x 4.4 x 6.4 cm.

      Est: $700 - $1,000

      POSSIBLY KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYAN OWL ON A BASEbone, inset wood, 19676.25" x 1.75" x 2.5" — 15.9 x 4.4 x 6.4 cm.Provenance:Acquired directly from the artist in 1967. The consigner had a history working in the Arctic during most of the 1960’s. First working in Tuktoyaktuk in the early 1960’s making fur products for sale with local Inuit women. She then moved to the community of Spence Bay (Taloyoak), where she continued her work as a government official. As the Assistant Area Administrator, she enacted various roles including working with artists as part of the government initiated arts and crafts program. In Art & Expression of the Netsilik, Eeteemunga (Karoo’s sister) spoke of the development of craft industries in Spence Bay and the new craft officer that encouraged Ashevak to carve. On page 64 she exclaims, “Once he began, he didn’t think of anything else!”Literature:Darlene Coward Wight, Art & Expression of the Netsilik, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2000Note:The works were carved from whalebone from Creswell Bay ancient Inuit campsite, Somerset Island. It was customary for whalebone to be salvaged and flown in to Taloyoak (Spence Bay) from Thule sites in the late 1960’s and 1970’s.

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HOODED INUK, bone, stone inlay, 9" x 4.5" — 22.9 x 11.4 cm.
      Nov. 16, 2015

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HOODED INUK, bone, stone inlay, 9" x 4.5" — 22.9 x 11.4 cm.

      Est: $8,000 - $12,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYHOODED INUKbone, stone inlay9" x 4.5" — 22.9 x 11.4 cm.Provenance:Acquired directly from the artist. The father of the consignor was a Professor at the University of Alberta and specialized in northern people and lands. He worked throughout the Arctic for most of his life. He met Ashevak on one of his trips to Taloyoak (Spence Bay) and admired his work greatly.

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN DRUMMER, bone, inlay stone, 19.5" x 13" x 17" — 49.5 x 33 x 43.2 cm.
      Nov. 16, 2015

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN DRUMMER, bone, inlay stone, 19.5" x 13" x 17" — 49.5 x 33 x 43.2 cm.

      Est: $30,000 - $35,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYSHAMAN DRUMMERbone, inlay stone, signed in syllabics19.5" x 13" x 17" — 49.5 x 33 x 43.2 cm.Provenance:Acquired directly from the artist. The father of the consignor was a Professor at the University of Alberta and specialized in northern people and lands. He worked throughout the Arctic for most of his life. He met Ashevak on one of his trips to Taloyoak (Spence Bay) and admired his work greatly. The exact year of acquisition was not recorded.Note:Karoo Ashevak was fortunate enough to possess the carving skills to bring his imaginative ideas to life. The result of this combination is his extraordinary body of work, full of spirituality, tradition, humour, complexity and the joy that so often described his temperament when he was carving. Ashevak is best known for his shaman drum dancers and they tend to be sought-after by collectors. and museums A significant part of Inuit spirituality, the shaman sets the tone and unites those involved in a ceremony by drumming and dancing. Whalebone was Ashevak’s favoured medium, and even though it is notoriously difficult to work with he seemed to utilize the existing shapes and manipulate the bone to portray his concepts. Whalebone was sparse in Taloyoak, so most was flown in for carving from prehistoric Thule and ancient whaling sites.

      Waddington's
    • Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) m.
      May. 02, 2015

      Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) m.

      Est: $16,000 - $20,000

      Taloyoak (Spence Bay), Singing Man, c. 1970, whale bone, 11.25 x 7.5 x 5 in, 28.6 x 19 x 12.2 cm. Provenance: gift of the artist to the current owner, c. 1970. Category: Inuit Art or Eskimo Art

      Walker's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE
      Nov. 17, 2014

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE

      Est: $4,000 - $5,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYNESTING BIRDbone7.75" x 12.25" x 6" - 19.7 x 31.1 x 15.2 cm.

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYBIRD
      Nov. 17, 2014

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYBIRD

      Est: $18,000 - $22,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, SPENCE BAYBIRD GUARDING NEST OF EGGSbone, signed in syllabics17.75" x 11" x 11" - 45.1 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm.Note:This whimsical depiction of a bird protecting its nest contains all of the elements of a classic Karoo sculpture. Characteristic of the artist's work, this piece includes separate components. Karoo enjoyed making parts that fit together, floated freely or dangled from sinew. He often included pegged on appendages or bird's eggs clustered in their own separate nest, as seen here.  His unique sculptures are made primarily of fossilized whalebone.  It is a difficult material to work with, as it is an extremely hard yet delicate substance. Karoo mastered this challenging medium. Many of his sculptures were said to emulate his personality, which was exuberant, humourous, spiritual and full of enthusiasm. Some of his depictions of birds - a subject he loved to carve - appear throughout his exhibition catalogues. The most similar to this work are referenced below.  Karoo Ashevak, Spirits: Fifteen whalebone carvings, Judy McGrath, American Indian Arts Center: New York, 1973, Image pl. 2, 8, 12Karoo Ashevak, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, Jean Blodgett, 1977, pl. 17, 20The Klamer Family Collection of Inuit Art, Waddington's Auctioneers, Spring 2005, p. 89, lot 128

      Waddington's
    • Attributed to Karoo Ashevak, Spence Bay, a large whale bone carving of a face 19 3/4 x 14 1/2 x 10 in. (50.17 x 36.83 x 25.4 cm)
      Apr. 23, 2014

      Attributed to Karoo Ashevak, Spence Bay, a large whale bone carving of a face 19 3/4 x 14 1/2 x 10 in. (50.17 x 36.83 x 25.4 cm)

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      Attributed to Karoo Ashevak, Spence Bay, a large whale bone carving of a face 19 3/4 x 14 1/2 x 10 in. (50.17 x 36.83 x 25.4 cm)

      Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
    • Unidentified Inuit Artist
      Jan. 28, 2014

      Unidentified Inuit Artist

      Est: $600 - $800

      Spirit Face Whalebone; unsigned, possibly by Karoo Ashevak 9 1/2 x 8 in. Mounted to a marble base. Has not been removed.

      A. H. Wilkens Auctions & Appraisals
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HUMAN HAND, bone, 5" x 3.75" x 2" - 12.7 x 9.5 x 5.1 cm.
      Nov. 18, 2013

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HUMAN HAND, bone, 5" x 3.75" x 2" - 12.7 x 9.5 x 5.1 cm.

      Est: $3,000 - $5,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHUMAN HAND, bone, 5" x 3.75" x 2" - 12.7 x 9.5 x 5.1 cm.Provenance: Mira Godard Collection of Inuit Art,Toronto, Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers, November 2005, lot 354g,Private Collection

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN'S FACE, stone, bone, ivory, 6.5" x 6.5" x 3.5" - 16.5 x 16.5 x 8.9 cm.
      Nov. 18, 2013

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN'S FACE, stone, bone, ivory, 6.5" x 6.5" x 3.5" - 16.5 x 16.5 x 8.9 cm.

      Est: $8,000 - $12,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN'S FACE, stone, bone, ivory, 6.5" x 6.5" x 3.5" - 16.5 x 16.5 x 8.9 cm.

      Waddington's
    • A Karoo Ashevak whalebone sculpture
      Jun. 03, 2013

      A Karoo Ashevak whalebone sculpture

      Est: -

      A Karoo Ashevak whalebone sculpture

      Bonhams
    • Karoo Ashevak 1940 - 1974 Canadian Indigenous
      May. 15, 2013

      Karoo Ashevak 1940 - 1974 Canadian Indigenous

      Est: $20,000 - $30,000

      Karoo Ashevak 1940 - 1974 Canadian Indigenous whalebone, caribou antler, stone, inset eyes Drum Dancer 22 x 10 x 10 inches 55.9 x 25.4 x 25.4 centimeters signed with syllabics Provenance:The Isaacs Gallery Ltd., Toronto Private Collection, Toronto Exhibited:The Isaacs Gallery Ltd., Toronto, Karoo Ashevak, solo exhibition, 1972 Inuit artist Karoo Ashevak is celebrated for his carvings depicting people, spirits, shamans, animals and birds. Combining the power of imagination with advanced carving skills, Ashevak transformed his personal visions into unique works of art. During a very brief period of production that lasted from 1969 until his death in 1974, the artist created approximately 250 works of art and inspired generations of artists. Ashevak was born in 1940 in the Kitimeot Region of Nunavut. The artist spent his early years in an environment in which people hunted and fished as a means of survival. This traditional way of life was challenged in the 1950s and 1960s; various factors, including climate change that altered animal migration patterns and a decline in the external demand for fur pelts, had an adverse effect on hunting income. The introduction of mandatory education and access to health care resulted in many families relocating from seasonal camps to live in more permanent settlements. In the mid 1960s, Ashevak moved with his family into Taloyoak. As part of their objective of providing the Inuit residents of Taloyoak with much-needed employment, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development established an arts and crafts program in the early 1960s. Ashevak participated in the government-sponsored program hoping to supplement his hunting income with revenue from the sale of artworks. Encouraged by his teacher Algie Malkauskas and his uncle, the sculptor Charlie Ugyuk, Ashevak excelled at carving. Many of Ashevak's sculptures, including this Drum Dancer, serve to document aspects of the traditional way of life or communicate legends and stories that were passed down from community elders. An important ritual, drumming was performed at numerous celebrations in Inuit culture. Throughout his career, Ashevak favoured whalebone for his carvings, a choice that might have been necessitated by an absence of stone deposits in the region. In order to provide the raw materials required for carving, government representatives organized expeditions to collect aged whalebones that were scattered over the tundra. These materials were transported by dog sled or flown in by chartered plane to Taloyoak where they would be transformed into works of art. Ashevak's artistic process involved searching out a piece of whalebone with a form that would lend itself well to the subject matter that he wished to create. In this sculpture, the back of the drum dancer takes advantage of the natural curve of the bone, allowing the viewer to experience the movement of the dancer's parka as he sways to the beat of the drum. Once the basic shape of the carving was established, Ashevak concentrated on the finishing touches, adding unusual details such as the highly realistic eyes of the figure that are made of either ivory or bone, and which include pupils made from metal nails. The use of incised graphic lines such as the circular shape on the figure's back is another distinctive characteristic of Ashevak's compositions. Resembling the shape of an eye, this detail may have been included to communicate the presence of a spirit or shaman. It was these painstaking details and finishing touches that differentiated Ashevak's works of art from others. Drum Dancer was included in the one-man exhibition that was held at the Inuit Gallery in Toronto in March of 1972. Featuring approximately 30 of Ashevak's carvings, this exhibition, organized by Avrom Isaacs, helped to launch Ashevak's artistic career. His reputation was strengthened by the success of the exhibition entitled Karoo Ashevak: Spirits, held at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York in January 1973. In 1977, the Winnipeg Art Gallery celebrated the life and work of Ashevak with a major retrospective and catalogue. We thank Natalie Ribkoff for contributing the above essay. In her position as the Curator of Visual Art at the TD Bank Group from 1988 - 2011, Ribkoff was responsible for the management of the TD Inuit Art Collection. She was the co-curator of ItuKiagâtta!, an exhibition of Inuit sculpture that was organized and circulated across Canada by the National Gallery of Canada in 2005.

      Heffel
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay SHAMAN WITH OPPOSING FACES AND MITTENS, bone, c. 1973, 11" x 6" x 3.5" -- 27.9 x 15.2 x 8.9 cm.
      May. 06, 2013

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay SHAMAN WITH OPPOSING FACES AND MITTENS, bone, c. 1973, 11" x 6" x 3.5" -- 27.9 x 15.2 x 8.9 cm.

      Est: $4,000 - $6,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay SHAMAN WITH OPPOSING FACES AND MITTENS, bone, c. 1973, 11" x 6" x 3.5" -- 27.9 x 15.2 x 8.9 cm. Provenance: Canadian High Commission in conjunction with New Zealand Airways Corporation, Wellington, New Zealand, May 1973, Prominent High Court Judge, New Zealand

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD, bone, 4.5" x 3.25" x 5.75" - 11.4 x 8.3 x 14.6 cm.
      May. 06, 2013

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD, bone, 4.5" x 3.25" x 5.75" - 11.4 x 8.3 x 14.6 cm.

      Est: $1,000 - $1,500

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay BIRD, bone, 4.5" x 3.25" x 5.75" - 11.4 x 8.3 x 14.6 cm.

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN, bone, 18" x 9" x 10" - 45.7 x 22.9 x 25.4 cm.
      May. 06, 2013

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SHAMAN, bone, 18" x 9" x 10" - 45.7 x 22.9 x 25.4 cm.

      Est: $25,000 - $30,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay SHAMAN, bone, signed in Roman, 18" x 9" x 10" - 45.7 x 22.9 x 25.4 cm.

      Waddington's
    • Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) m.
      May. 05, 2013

      Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) m.

      Est: $16,000 - $20,000

      Taloyoak (Spence Bay); Spirit Face, ca. 1971-72; Whale bone, antler and stone; 8.75 x 3.5 x 2.75 in, 22.2 x 8.9 x 7 cm; Signed in syllabics; Provenance: Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art, Toronto

      Walker's
    • Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) m.
      May. 05, 2013

      Karoo Ashevak (1940-1974) m.

      Est: $20,000 - $25,000

      Taloyoak (Spence Bay); Spirit Face and Hand; Ca. 1971-72, whale bone, antler & stone, ; Mounted on a Plexiglas base; 7.75 x 6.5 x 3 in, 19.7 x 16.5 x 7.7 cm; Provenance: Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art, Toronto

      Walker's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN, bone, 13" x 5" x 3" - 33 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm.
      Nov. 05, 2012

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN, bone, 13" x 5" x 3" - 33 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm.

      Est: $6,000 - $9,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN, bone, 13" x 5" x 3" - 33 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm.Est. $6,000/9,000

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974)
      Nov. 04, 2012

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974)

      Est: $20,000 - $25,000

      TALOYOAK (SPENCE BAY), Spirit Figure, ca. 1970-71 Whale bone, antler and inlay, 19 x 7.75 x 3.5 in, 48.3 x 19.7 x 8.9 cm, Signed in syllabics

      Walker's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (Canadian/Spence Bay, 1940-1974). Spirit, Whale bone and ivory. The underside of base singed in syllabics.
      May. 06, 2012

      KAROO ASHEVAK (Canadian/Spence Bay, 1940-1974). Spirit, Whale bone and ivory. The underside of base singed in syllabics.

      Est: $3,000 - $4,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (Canadian/Spence Bay, 1940-1974). Spirit, Whale bone and ivory. The underside of base singed in syllabics - 18 1/2 in. x 21 in.

      Sloans & Kenyon
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySPIRIT, bone, signed in syllabics, 9" x 3.25" x 2.25" - 20.3 x 8.3 x 5.7 cm.Note: This lot resides in the United States and is being sold from the photographs and description. Buyers who reside outside the
      Apr. 30, 2012

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySPIRIT, bone, signed in syllabics, 9" x 3.25" x 2.25" - 20.3 x 8.3 x 5.7 cm.Note: This lot resides in the United States and is being sold from the photographs and description. Buyers who reside outside the

      Est: $6,000 - $9,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySPIRIT, bone, signed in syllabics, 9" x 3.25" x 2.25" - 20.3 x 8.3 x 5.7 cm.Note: This lot resides in the United States and is being sold from the photographs and description. Buyers who reside outside the U.S. should be aware of CITES restrictions.

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHEAD OF AN INUK, bone, signed in syllabics, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.Provenance: Collection of Marcia and Harry Klamer,Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers, 2005,Private Collection, Canada
      Nov. 07, 2011

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHEAD OF AN INUK, bone, signed in syllabics, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.Provenance: Collection of Marcia and Harry Klamer,Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers, 2005,Private Collection, Canada

      Est: $1,500 - $2,500

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHEAD OF AN INUK, bone, signed in syllabics, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.Provenance: Collection of Marcia and Harry Klamer,Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers, 2005,Private Collection, Canada

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHAPPY MAN
      Nov. 08, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHAPPY MAN

      Est: $8,000 - $10,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHAPPY MAN, bone, signed in syllabics, ca. 1970, 8.75" x 5" x 3.25" - 22.2 x 12.7 x 8.3 cm.Est. $8,000/10,000

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN
      Nov. 08, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN

      Est: $10,000 - $15,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySHAMAN

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD FLYING TO NEST WITH EGGS, bone, antler, 10.75" x 8" x 6.25" - 27.3 x 20.3 x 15.9 cm.
      Apr. 19, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD FLYING TO NEST WITH EGGS, bone, antler, 10.75" x 8" x 6.25" - 27.3 x 20.3 x 15.9 cm.

      Est: $5,000 - $7,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayBIRD FLYING TO NEST WITH EGGS, bone, antler, 10.75" x 8" x 6.25" - 27.3 x 20.3 x 15.9 cm.Provenance: Private Collection, TorontoNote: For a similar piece see, Karoo Ashevak, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, Jean Blodgett, 1977, plate # 17

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPIRIT, bone, 8.7" x 14" x 9.4" - 22 x 35.6 x 24 cm.
      Apr. 19, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPIRIT, bone, 8.7" x 14" x 9.4" - 22 x 35.6 x 24 cm.

      Est: $8,000 - $12,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySPIRIT, bone, 1971, 8.7" x 14" x 9.4" - 22 x 35.6 x 24 cm.Provenance: Private Collection, TorontoExhibited: Karoo Ashevak, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1977, see plate #13

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HEAD OF AN INUK, bone, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.
      Apr. 19, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HEAD OF AN INUK, bone, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.

      Est: $2,500 - $3,500

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHEAD OF AN INUK, bone, signed in syllabics, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.Provenance: Collection of Marcia and Harry Klamer,Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers, 2005,Private Collection, Canada

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD FLYING TO NEST WITH EGGS, bone, antler, 10.75" x 8" x 6.25" - 27.3 x 20.3 x 15.9 cm.
      Mar. 25, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), BIRD FLYING TO NEST WITH EGGS, bone, antler, 10.75" x 8" x 6.25" - 27.3 x 20.3 x 15.9 cm.

      Est: $5,000 - $7,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayBIRD FLYING TO NEST WITH EGGS, bone, antler, 10.75" x 8" x 6.25" - 27.3 x 20.3 x 15.9 cm.Provenance: Private Collection, TorontoNote: For a similar piece see, Karoo Ashevak, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, Jean Blodgett, 1977, plate # 17

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPIRIT, bone, 8.7" x 14" x 9.4" - 22 x 35.6 x 24 cm.
      Mar. 25, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), SPIRIT, bone, 8.7" x 14" x 9.4" - 22 x 35.6 x 24 cm.

      Est: $8,000 - $12,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BaySPIRIT, bone, 1971, 8.7" x 14" x 9.4" - 22 x 35.6 x 24 cm.Provenance: Private Collection, TorontoExhibited: Karoo Ashevak, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1977, see plate #13

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HEAD OF AN INUK, bone, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.
      Mar. 25, 2010

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), HEAD OF AN INUK, bone, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.

      Est: $2,500 - $3,500

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence BayHEAD OF AN INUK, bone, signed in syllabics, 3" x 3" x 2" - 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.Provenance: Collection of Marcia and Harry Klamer,Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers, 2005,Private Collection, Canada

      Waddington's
    • KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay
      Nov. 09, 2009

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay

      Est: $8,000 - $12,000

      KAROO ASHEVAK (1940-1974), E4-196, Spence Bay SHAMAN, bone, 13" x 4.5" x 5" - 33 x 11.4 x 12.7 cm.

      Waddington's
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