Native Art Gallery


Walking Bear

Walking Bear

Artist: Moe Pootoogook

Community: Cape Dorset

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W4.0 x H 5.5 x D11.0

Reference: 108071


Regular price $1,375.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $1,375.00 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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Moe Pootoogook

Moe Pootoogook is a notable indigenous artist from the Canadian Arctic, known for his distinct contributions to contemporary Inuit art. Born in 1967 in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Pootoogook is part of a rich artistic heritage that includes his father, the celebrated artist Kenojuak Ashevak, and his sister, the renowned artist and printmaker Pitseolak Ashoona.

Pootoogook's artwork often reflects themes of daily life and traditional Inuit culture, combining modern techniques with traditional motifs. His pieces are recognized for their vibrant colors, detailed representations of Arctic wildlife, and intricate patterns. Pootoogook works primarily in drawing and printmaking, and his art has been showcased in various exhibitions both in Canada and internationally.

His contributions to the art world are not only a testament to his personal talent but also to the broader Inuit artistic tradition, which continues to gain global recognition. Moe Pootoogook’s work remains an important part of the conversation surrounding contemporary Indigenous art and culture.