574

R. Felix Sperm Whale Bone & Fur Inuit Carving

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
R. Felix Sperm Whale Bone & Fur Inuit Carving
Featured in this lot is this hand-carved fisherman made from sperm whale bone by Inuvialuktun artist Ron Felix circa 1990s. Ron's Inuvialuktun name is Inung. He now resides in Yellowknife after being born and raised in Tuktoyaktuk. When Ron was in his twenties, about thirty years ago, he began carving. Prior to that, he was a jack of all trades who turned to carving in the 1980s when the oil and gas industry began to decline. Ron is making an effort to uphold the Inuvialuit carving tradition through his artwork. The piece shows an Inuit fisherman holding his fishing spear with one hand above his head. The spear is large and shows a sharp point with leather wrapped around the shaft. The spear can be removed from the mans hand and is still connected with the rest of the leather strap. The carving is constructed of sperm whale bone, animal fur and leather. The base of the sculpture shows the artist signature reading, "Felix 29". The piece shows good condition overall with little to near wear present and no signs of obvious damage noted. The piece measures 2 3/8" L x 10 1/4" W x 10 3/4" H and weighs 10 ounces.