Davidee Uppik (Sanikiluaq) Masterwork "Polar Bear"

Updated September 18, 2026

Davidee Uppik (Sanikiluaq, Nunavut), "Polar Bear," 2008. An exceptional, certified museum-quality Inuit stone sculpture that captures the raw authority, intelligence and untamed spirit of the Arctic's most iconic predator with extraordinary sculptural confidence. Rising dramatically onto its hind legs in a commanding, roaring stance, this powerful work embodies the timeless relationship between Inuit artists and the wildlife that defines Canada's North. Combining monumental presence with elegant restraint, it is an outstanding example of contemporary Sanikiluaq carving and a highly desirable acquisition for serious collectors of Inuit art, Canadian Indigenous sculpture and important Arctic wildlife sculpture.<br><br>Masterfully carved from richly polished dark Sanikiluaq stone displaying striking natural charcoal, deep graphite and olive-black tones enlivened by delicate mineral veining, the sculpture possesses remarkable visual impact from every angle. Uppik transforms a single block of stone into a dynamic composition of remarkable balance and movement. The bear's sweeping back flows seamlessly into a muscular neck and powerfully projected head, while its deeply carved open mouth evokes a resonant roar across the Arctic landscape. The asymmetrical positioning of the forelegs creates an unmistakable sense of motion and tension, allowing the sculpture to feel simultaneously monumental and alive. Crisp incised eyes, nostrils, muzzle detailing and claw work provide refined finishing touches that reward close examination without sacrificing the bold modernist silhouette that has made Sanikiluaq carvings so highly sought after internationally.<br><br>The present sculpture is accompanied by its original Canadian Inuit Art Certified Authenticity card, identifying the artist as Davidee Uppik, the community of Sanikiluaq, the title "Polar Bear," and the date 2008. The underside also bears the artist's carved Inuit syllabic signature, providing outstanding documentation and significantly enhancing both collector confidence and long-term desirability. Original documentation of this nature is increasingly valued within the international Inuit art market and distinguishes superior examples from undocumented works.<br><br>Davidee Uppik is recognized among the accomplished sculptors of Sanikiluaq, a community celebrated for producing some of the finest contemporary Inuit carvings in Canada. Artists from the Belcher Islands are internationally admired for their sophisticated use of locally quarried dark stone, elegant flowing forms and deeply expressive interpretations of Arctic wildlife. Polar bears remain among the most iconic, enduring and internationally collected subjects within Inuit sculpture, symbolizing resilience, strength, survival and the profound spiritual connection between Inuit culture and the northern environment. Dramatic upright compositions of this quality are encountered far less frequently than traditional walking or reclining examples, ma

Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →

More lots in this auction

• Mary Tutsuitok - Arviat Inuit Stone Carving - Fami
• Toussaint Riendeau - Seated Figure - Limited Editi
• Lucassie Simonie (Dorset, Nunavut) Monumental Inuk
• John Keknek (Inuk, Gjoa Haven, Nunavut) - Monument
• Malito Akesuk (Coral Harbour, Nunavut) - Monumenta
• Exceptional Inuit Stone Carving - “Hunter” by John
• CanadaPost NHL Hockey Legends Autographed Limited
• Joan Miró "Derrière Le Miroir No. 231" - Original

See all lots in October Art & Collectibles- 2-DAY Auction →