Native Art Gallery


Walking Bear

Walking Bear

Artist: Ulamie Tunnillie

Community: Cape Dorset

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W2.5 x H 4.0 x D7.0

Reference: 106819


Regular price $575.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $575.00 CAD
Sale Sold

Polar Bear, Nanuq, called the "King of the North", 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. The polar bears of Nunavut tend to be solitary creatures, generally travelling alone in the winter. When you see two bears together, they are most likely siblings who have learned to hunt together with utmost success.

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.

This piece is carved in honour of the animal itself; it celebrates the polar bear, his spirit, his strength, and his legend.  May he always be a source of inspiration.

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Ulamie Tunnillie

Ulamie Tunnillie is a prominent Inuit artist hailing from the community of Pangnirtung in Nunavut, Canada. Known for her intricate and evocative printmaking, Tunnillie captures the essence of Arctic life and the natural world through her art. Her work often features traditional Inuit themes and motifs, reflecting her deep connection to her heritage and the environment.

Tunnillie’s prints are celebrated for their detailed depiction of animals and landscapes, showcasing her exceptional skill in etching and lithography. She is part of the Pangnirtung Print Shop’s collective, which is renowned for producing high-quality Inuit art. Her contributions have been pivotal in bringing the rich cultural narratives of the Arctic to a broader audience.