Cold contemplation

Following on from yesterday's collection of Inuit blades here we have an Inuit man contemplating on the state of the ice.

The carving is unsigned but probably dates from the 1960s. The style and the basalt stone from which it is made suggests that it was carved in Baker Lake.

Baker Lake (Qamani'tuaq "where the river widens"), is a settlement in Nunavut on mainland Canada. Located some 320 km inland from Hudson Bay it is the Canadian Arctic's only inland community. Baker Lake is known for its Inuit art, such as wallhangings, basalt stone sculptures and stonecut prints. The community has been home to internationally exhibited artists such as Jessie Oonark, Simon Tookoome, Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq, Toona Iquliq, Barnabus Arnasungaaq, Marion Tuu'luq, Matthew Agigaaq, David Ikutaq and Luke Anguhadluq.