Tommy Takpanie Inuit Art Bear Sculpture - Certifie

Updated September 18, 2026

This auction ended on October 4, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Oakwood Auctions or current fine art & prints auctions.
Lot number237
Estimate130.00 - 160.00 USD
CategoryFine Art & Prints
AuctionOctober Art & Collectibles- 2-DAY Auction
DateOctober 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM EDT
Auction houseOakwood Auctions
LocationStouffville

Created in 2024 by Inuit artist Tommy Takpanie of Iqaluit, Nunavut, this certified original stone sculpture titled Bear represents a compelling example of contemporary Canadian Arctic carving. Accompanied by its official Canadian Inuit Art authenticity certificate, the work embodies the enduring artistic traditions of the Eastern Arctic while expressing a distinctly modern sculptural sensibility.<br><br>Masterfully carved from dark Arctic stone, the sculpture depicts one of the most powerful and culturally significant animals of the North. The bear advances with measured purpose, its elongated body and lowered head conveying strength, resilience, and quiet authority. Rather than relying on highly polished surfaces, Takpanie employs deeply cut textural carving throughout the figure, creating a dramatic fur-like effect that animates the stone with movement, depth, and shadow. The result is a sculpture that rewards examination from every angle, revealing the artist's confident handling of form and surface.<br><br>The bear occupies a central place within Inuit culture and artistic expression, symbolizing survival, adaptability, and mastery within one of the world's most demanding environments. Collectors have long regarded bear carvings among the most sought-after categories of Inuit sculpture, particularly when executed by named artists and accompanied by documented authenticity.<br><br>Tommy Takpanie is associated with the vibrant artistic community of Iqaluit, Nunavut, one of the most important centers of contemporary Inuit art production. Works by Inuit artists from Iqaluit continue to attract international attention from collectors seeking authentic Canadian Indigenous art and original Arctic sculpture. The inclusion of the artist-signed authenticity certificate substantially enhances the work's desirability, provenance, and long-term collectibility.<br><br>Despite its intimate cabinet scale of 5 1/4 inches long by 1 inch wide by 2 3/16 inches high, the sculpture possesses remarkable visual presence. Its compact dimensions make it exceptionally suitable for display within a curated Inuit art collection, Arctic art grouping, or sophisticated contemporary decorative setting.<br><br>Examples by named Inuit artists with documented provenance remain among the most consistently collected categories within the Canadian Indigenous art market. This certified 2024 example presents an opportunity to acquire an original hand-carved Arctic sculpture created within the living tradition of Inuit stone carving.<br><br>It is in excellent overall condition. No visible cracks or repairs. The sculpture retains crisp carving detail throughout, with expected minor handling wear consistent with a recently produced hand-carved stone artwork. Authenticity certificate included and showing minor handling creases.<br>70416

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