A lovely vintage grey stone walrus carving from Broughton Island by Inuit artist Kooniluisie.
Scored sides to highlight the size and bulk of these amazing animals. Slight oxidized veining at nose (air reacting with iron in the stone).
Dimensions: approx. 6 1/2 " long x 4 1/4" high x 3 1/8 wide
Weight: approx. 3 # 9.2 ounces (1622 grams)
Please note : Over the years the walrus lost his original tusks, and deals they have been replaced with wooden ones. The last photo shows him without, so see which way you prefer.
The walrus has an "igloo" Tag attached with string that says "A. Kooneeliusie Tugulak" and stamped "Tugulak Co-op Broughton Island."
The underside of the carving reads Amie Koonooloosee, with Inuktitut syllabics reading A-Mi , and Ku-nu-lu-see.
The igloo tag is unilingual, which helps date it as made about 1965-1970.
Condition: Very good overall. The left hole for the tusk is larger than the right side hole, and may be missing a tiny chip (not noticeable with tusks in place)
About the Artist
Kooniluisie/ Kuniliusee is an Inuit family name on Broughton Island, with several known artists with that name. However, there is no A. Kuniliusee listed in artist directory.
About the Community
Today the community uses its proper Inuit name which is Qikiqtarjua. It was formerly known as Broughton Island until November 1998.
It is a community located on the island off the eastern shore of Baffin Island, about half way up.
It is part of the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada. The island is known for Arctic wildlife (ring seals, polar bears, bowhead whales, narwhals), bird watching (Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area), and as the northern access point for Auyuittuq National Park. In 2016, about 598 people lived in the community.
Product code: Deals Vintage Grey Stone Walrus Carving from Broughton Island by Inuit artist Kooniluisie.