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.
Nuna Parr, born near Cape Dorset, was adopted by the graphic artists Parr and Eleeshushe. The family relocated to Cape Dorset in 1960 following an accident involving Parr. Nuna began carving at a young age, inspired by his deep interest in Arctic wildlife and hunting. His carvings, known for their natural flow and dynamic movement, reflect a harmonious connection with the stone. Over his forty-year career, Nuna has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for his distinctive work.
A self-taught artist, Nuna started carving at the age of eight with a seal as his first piece. Today, he is celebrated for his large-scale sculptures of dancing and walking bears, which are among the most coveted artworks from Cape Dorset. The size, movement, and vitality of his bears contribute to their exceptional appeal.
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