Inuit carvings

Inuit carvings date back centuries, as they have been used in religious activities. Stone carving gained popularity in the late 1940's due to a few dedicated individuals and encouragement from the Candian government. It was viewed as both a medium for artistic expression as well as a boon for the local economies. As with many art forms, styles have evolved and changed over the years. Early pieces were generally representational human and animal figures. Over time, the art found its way with carvers expressing drama and whimsy in their pieces.

The carving process usually takes place outside, even in weather most southerners would consider frigid. This is a safety measure to protect the carver from noxious dust that is often a carving by-product. After a stone is selected, the shape is often roughed out with a power angle grinder with a diamond blade. Detailing and texturing are done with diamond die grinders in some areas and motorized rotary tools in others. Sanding with fine sandpaper, filing and polishing are important final handworking steps in creating a beautiful piece.

Describing how it's done doesn't provide a sense of how amazing the resulting pieces can be. At Grey Dog Trading Company some of these works exhibit high drama, with shamans struggling to transform into their animal helping spirits. Others make us laugh, such as the Inuit with a mosquito the size of a B52 on his rear. And beautiful, graceful and often humorous dancing bears always delight.

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