Lot 78
GEORGE TATANNIQ (1910-1991) QAMANI’TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Ptarmigan, early 1970s
stone, 5.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 in (14 x 16.5 x 8.9 cm)
signed, "ᑕᑕᓂ".

Provenance
Private Collection, USA.

As can be seen with his better-known figures of humans and muskoxen, George Tatanniq had an eye and hand for giving a calm, peaceful sense to his sculptures. This rotund Ptarmigan, too, possesses a kind of stillness and tranquility. The simple, gently rounded forms of the bird, seemingly puffed up against the cold, highlights some of the defining aspects of Tatanniq’s workmanship and style. There is a lovely gracefulness in the curves of this sculpture; the matte finish beautifully complements the placid look of this bird. Though larger than most other portraits of birds by the artist, this charming sculpture is still small enough, and appealing enough, to be cupped in one’s hands.

References: For a similarly large and impressive example by the artist see Norman Zepp, Inspiration: Four Decades of Sculpture by Canadian Inuit, (Vancouver: Marion Scott Gallery, 1995), cat. 44, p. 69. For a much smaller but nonetheless charming example of a bird by Tatanniq see Walker’s Auctions, Ottawa, Nov. 2016, Lot 35. For additional works by the artist, see the section on the artist in Norman Zepp, Pure Vision: The Keewatin Spirit, (Regina: Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery, 1986), pp. 120-129