1990 Jonassie Papatsie - Pangnirtung Inuit Serpent

Updated September 18, 2026

This auction ended on October 4, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Oakwood Auctions.
Lot number422
Estimate400.00 - 500.00 USD
AuctionOctober Art & Collectibles- 2-DAY Auction
DateOctober 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM EDT
Auction houseOakwood Auctions
LocationStouffville

A museum quality example of late 20th century Inuit carving, this horizontally composed sculpture titled “Seals” was hand carved in 1990 by Jonassie Papatsie from the renowned Arctic community of Pangnirtung. Executed in mottled grey-green serpentine stone with pale mineral inclusions, the work presents two seals in a fluid, low relief profile that reads beautifully from every angle. Papatsie has shaped the bodies in a streamlined, wave-hugging contour, then defined flippers, whiskered muzzles and tail notches with confident incising and crisp faceting. The stone’s natural variegation gives the impression of wet skin and moving water, while the artist’s controlled transitions from sharp ridge to softened plane create a dynamic rhythm across the 14 1/2 inch length. The underside is neatly finished for stable display. Included is the original Government of Canada Inuit art certification tag naming the artist as Jonassie Papatsie, community Pangnirtung, title Seals, and date 1990 - an important confirmation of authenticity that high end collectors prize.<br><br>Dimensions - 14 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches tall<br>Medium - grey-green Arctic serpentine stone<br>Artist - Jonassie Papatsie - Inuit - Pangnirtung, Canada<br>Title - Seals – 1990<br>Accompanied by - original Government of Canada certification tag<br><br>Provenance and significance - Works from Pangnirtung are sought after for their elegant lines and narrative clarity. Serpentine from the Eastern Arctic is favored for its hardness and polish, allowing crisp carving and strong silhouettes. This signed and certified 1990 example encapsulates classic themes of northern wildlife and the seamless relationship between form and material, making it a standout addition to any advanced collection of Inuit art, Canadian Indigenous art, wildlife sculpture, or stone carving.<br><br>Condition report - Excellent overall with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Natural mineral inclusions and stone freckles are present by design and contribute to the aesthetic. Light handling and shelf wear to high points consistent with age and display only. Surfaces and edges are intact and present cleanly to the eye.<br><br>This is an exceptional, display ready, fully certified 1990 Pangnirtung serpentine carving by Jonassie Papatsie - a rare opportunity for the serious Inuit art buyer seeking scale, authenticity, and sculptural presence in a single work.<br>90174 <br> <br>

1990 Jonassie Papatsie - Pangnirtung Inuit Serpent

More lots in this auction

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