Leo Uttaq (Taloyoak, Nunavut, 1996) - “Shaman” - I

Updated September 18, 2026

A masterful example of late 20th-century Inuit art, Shaman (1996) by Leo Uttaq of Taloyoak, Nunavut, embodies the profound spiritual dualities of transformation, animal kinship, and ancestral connection that lie at the heart of Arctic shamanic tradition. Expertly hand-carved from deep green-to-black serpentine stone with subtle natural veining and mineral luster, this compact yet powerful sculpture (measuring 5 x 2 x 4 1/2 inches) reveals Uttaq’s signature balance between primal energy and refined abstraction.<br><br>Viewed from the front, the work depicts a shaman mid-transformation - his face merging seamlessly into an avian form, the beak emerging from human lips, the eyes deep-set with a mysterious inward gaze. The surface is alive with texture: carefully pecked feather motifs, stippled markings, and incised linear forms that suggest both ceremonial scarification and the rhythmic movement of spiritual metamorphosis. Each hand-cut mark catches and refracts the light across the stone’s polished surface, animating the figure with an aura of quiet vitality and timeless endurance.<br><br>From every angle, Shaman reveals new depths of meaning - an extraordinary synthesis of spiritual symbolism and sculptural mastery. The tactile weight and sheen of the serpentine, combined with Uttaq’s confident carving and minimal finishing, invite both aesthetic admiration and meditative contemplation. The underside bears the artist’s hand-incised marks and working striations, testifying to its creation entirely by hand using traditional tools and methods in Taloyoak’s rich carving tradition.<br><br>This piece retains its original Government of Canada certification tag, verifying its authenticity and origin. The tag lists:<br>Artist: Leo Uttaq<br>Community: Taloyoak, Nunavut<br>Title: Shaman<br>Date: 1996<br>Catalogue No.: 90045<br><br>Condition appears excellent for its age, showing only light handling wear and natural surface variations consistent with genuine serpentine stone.

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