Albert Qayutinnuaq - Face - 2000 - Taloyoak Inuit

Updated September 18, 2026

this is the original 2000 serpentine soapstone carving titled Face by Albert Qayutinnuaq of Taloyoak, Nunavut, accompanied by its Government of Canada Inuit art certification card filled out in the artist’s hand with the artist name Albert Qayutinnuaq - community Taloyoak - date 2000 - description Face - and a hand written control number. The sculpture is carved from a dense dark gray green serpentine soapstone with naturally variegated veining and mineral inclusions that enliven the surface under a softly matte hand rubbed finish. Composed as a powerful mask like visage, the work presents closed almond form eyes beneath deeply notched lids, a prominent planar nose, and a pursed mouth that resolves into a short beard articulated with vertical chisel lines. The crown is modeled with ridged locks that flow into incised striations down the back of the head, the rear revealing intentional tool marks and natural ochre toned inclusions that emphasize the raw northern stone. Multiple views show the sculptor’s confident reductive technique - crisp gouge cuts at the eyelids and beard, broad rasping along the cheeks and temples, and a carefully flattened underside bearing the artist’s incised Inuit syllabics signature.<br>Dimensions 3 in x 2 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in tall.<br>Condition appears excellent from all angles with no cracks chips or repairs visible - only minor handling wear and natural pits consistent with the stone and age.<br>For the connoisseur of Canadian Aboriginal Inuit art and collectors of Taloyoak carving traditions, this compact yet commanding portrait head encapsulates Qayutinnuaq’s ability to distill character from hard Arctic stone, balancing archaic mask aesthetics with modernist economy of line. The inclusion of the original Government of Canada certification card enhances provenance and market desirability. A museum quality example for high end buyers seeking authenticated Inuit sculpture.<br>90162 <br> <br>

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