Native Art Gallery


Dancing Bear

Dancing Bear

Artist: Allan Shutiapik

Community: Cape Dorset

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W2.5 x H 5.5 x D3.0

Reference: 107497


Regular price $650.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $650.00 CAD
Sale Sold

Endearingly called the "King of the North", the Polar Bear, or Nanuq, is the greatest predator of the Arctic and a powerfully respected animal.  He is the one animal that is at home both on land and water.  He is built for his environment and has no troubles surviving the long, harsh winters.

Some Inuit believe that how we live our lives affects what we become in the afterlife. Apparently, the best reward for a life-well-lived is to return in the form of the polar bear.  This is because the ‘King of the Arctic’, as he is endearingly called, is strong enough to survive the long, cold winters. Instead of carving polar bears only in walking positions or other poses often seen in nature, Inuit carvers began to make bears in upright positions, often standing on one hind leg.  This pose represents the polar bear in a happy state of dancing and celebration. Some carvers claim that dancing bears represent a form of shamanism and transformation between a human and a bear.

The Dancing Bear shows gratitude for having been recognized and rewarded for his efforts.  May this sculpture celebrate the successes of your life.

View full details

Allan Shutiapik

Allan Shutiapik is a distinguished Inuit artist from Iqaluit, Nunavut. Born in 1977, he has garnered recognition for his exquisite carvings, particularly those featuring animals in fluid, dynamic forms. Shutiapik's works include a variety of subjects, such as dancing bears, walking caribou, and other wildlife, predominantly crafted from serpentine stone.

His carvings are known for their gentle and intricate details, capturing the essence and movement of the animals. Shutiapik has been active in the art community, with his pieces featured in numerous collections across North America. He continues to carve full-time, consistently gaining recognition in the international art market.

Some notable pieces by Shutiapik include "Diving Bear" and "Dancing Bear," which are celebrated for their vibrant and lively portrayal of these creatures. His work has been showcased in various galleries and is highly sought after by collectors.