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Native Art Gallery

Walking Bear

Walking Bear

Artist: Allan Shutiapik

Community: Iqaluit

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W1.5 x H 3.0 x D6.0

Reference: 107492

$525.00 CAD
$525.00 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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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.