Wally Porter (Taloyoak, Nunavut) - "Shaman Faces"

Updated September 18, 2026

An exceptional and spiritually evocative Inuit stone sculpture by Wally Porter of Taloyoak, Nunavut, titled Shaman Faces and executed in 1995. Accompanied by its original Government of Canada certification tag identifying the artist, community, title, date, and corresponding registration number, this powerful work represents a highly desirable example of late 20th-century Canadian Inuit sculpture rooted in the enduring traditions of Arctic spirituality, transformation imagery, and ancestral storytelling.<br><br>Carved from a substantial piece of richly figured dark Arctic stone, the sculpture presents a commanding frontal visage whose deeply incised eyes, pronounced nose, and solemn expression project a remarkable sense of presence and introspection. The work reveals increasing complexity as it is viewed in the round. The reverse contains a second spirit-like visage emerging from the stone itself, creating a compelling dual-identity composition that reflects one of the most enduring themes within Inuit visual culture - transformation between physical and spiritual realms. The interplay between the two faces transforms the sculpture into an object of continual discovery, rewarding examination from every angle.<br><br>The stone itself contributes significantly to the aesthetic power of the work. Dramatic natural mineral inclusions, smoky veining, and subtle tonal variations animate the polished surface, creating an appearance reminiscent of Arctic ice, weathered rock formations, and shifting northern light. Porter skillfully incorporates these natural characteristics into the carving, allowing the material to participate in the narrative rather than merely serve as its medium.<br><br>Taloyoak, historically known as Spence Bay, has long been recognized as one of the Arctic's important centers of Inuit carving. Artists from the region are celebrated for works distinguished by strong sculptural mass, expressive spirituality, and direct engagement with traditional Inuit beliefs and legends. Within this context, Shaman Faces stands as an especially compelling example, combining sophisticated sculptural design with symbolic content that speaks to transformation, ancestral knowledge, and the unseen spiritual forces central to Inuit cosmology.<br><br>The retention of the original Government of Canada Inuit Art certification card substantially enhances the desirability of the piece. Certified examples with documented artist attribution, title, date, and community identification are increasingly sought after by collectors of Inuit art, Indigenous Canadian art, Arctic sculpture, museum-quality ethnographic works, and important twentieth-century Canadian sculpture. Such documentation provides an additional level of confidence and provenance that serious collectors consistently value.<br><br>Beyond its documentary significance, the sculpture possesses exceptional display presence. The vertical form, dramatic facial modeling, and mysterious dual-sided compositio

More lots in this auction

• Edward Kikoak (Taloyoak) Inuit Serpentine Sculptur
• Tony Ittunga (Taloyoak) 1990 Certified Inuit Stone
• Wayne Gretzky /99 SP Authentic, Sidney Crosby Rimo
• Leo Uttaq (Taloyoak) "Wind Spirit" Inuit Stone Scu
• Dave Stieb Autographed Toronto Blue Jays 1991 "Pit
• T. T. Iqaluit Inuit Stone Bear Sculpture, 2026, Ce
• Roger Clemens Signed Toronto Blue Jays “The Four C
• Albert Qayutinnuaq (Taloyoak) 2001 Inuit Stone "Sh

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