DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976) PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Loon Preparing its Nest 1970s
stone, 3.5 x 9.25 x 3.25 in (8.9 x 23.5 x 8.3 cm)
signed, "DEVID AMMITOK";
inscribed with carving number, " 141895" and accompanied by the original igloo tag with the same number.

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Toronto;
Acquired from the above by the present Toronto collection.

Quite decidedly apart from Davidialuk's stories of legends and spirits, the present Loon Preparing its Nest is more reminiscent of the artist's earlier, naturalistic works, such as the speared bear in the collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery [1]. The etched lines on the loon's palmated feet, however, are a clear indication that this work comes from the artist's mature period.

The loon is a subject that preoccupied the artist; Davidialuk would feature the winged animal in his graphic works several times throughout his artistic career, including in the 1962 stonecut, Loon, which was reproduced on the back of the Cape Dorset 1962 print collection catalogue. While the subject is less mystical than some of his others, Bernadette Driscoll in Uumajut, notes that,
“The loon is a recurring image in Inuit spiritual culture. Undoubtedly its haunting cry, as well as its ability to disappear underwater for several seconds, imbued it with magico-religious attributes. It is known to be a special helper to the shaman, especially in his curative functions, and it figures prominently as a guardian spirit for kayakers” [2].

With this interpretation in mind, perhaps there is more to this scene than meets the eye.

1. For years, this work in the WAG was given to an unidentified artist. In May 2004, Minny Assappa, Davidialuk's sister, and Joshua Sivuarapik, identified it as being by Davidialuk.
2. Bernadette Driscoll, Uumajut: Animal Imagery in Inuit Art, (Winnipeg,Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1985) p. 36