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Update on Coronavirus in the North

We hope that you and your loved ones are well and safe, and that you are fully vaccinated.

Since the last newsletter, all of the COVID-19 outbreaks in Nunavut have been contained, and there are no active cases. The government website reports a total of 657 cases, of whom 653 recovered and 4 died. The total population of Nunavut is approximately 40,000.

Moderna vaccine is being distributed rapidly in Nunavut. As of July 26, 81% of the adult population has had at least one dose of vaccine, and 71% has been fully vaccinated. Sixty percent of children 12-17 have received at least one dose.

For several stories on the impact of COVID-19 in the North, see the May 2021 issue of the Arctic Studies Center Newsletter.

Jigging for fish
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Qavaroak Tunnillie (1928-1993) was one of the finest of the first-generation Cape Dorset carvers. Jean Blodgett, in Grasp Tight the Old Ways, describes his dynamic work -- which this sculpture epitomizes beautifully -- as follows: "Qavaroak's depictions of animals, humans, and spirits . . . are often rounded and flowing with an emphasis on curves and lines, particularly the outline of the subjects. . . . [T]he sculptures can be quite complex, with intertwining and interweaving individual elements." Qavaroak was one of nine Inuit craftsmen from Cape Dorset chosen to create and make the first mace of the Northwest Territories, and his work is included in major exhibitions and the collections of major museums.
In this sculpture, Qavaroak has captured the moment when the woman has pulled in a fish. She holds a fishing jig (recreated here in antler) in her right hand, and has pulled in the jigging line with her left hand. The fish is leaping on the line. Her firmly planted feet, and the way her head is thrown back, speak to the effort involved in landing the fish. The curves of her amaut hood and beavertail frame the scene gracefully.

Jigging for fish is a technique used across the Arctic. An excellent National Film Board of Canada video shows the process from start to finish. The catch occurs around minute 24:00 of the video; watch the whole video to appreciate the patience involved in this form of fishing. You will see that when the fish bites, the quietly kneeling jigger is transformed, leaping to his feet and rapidly hauling in his catch.
For comparison, I am including pictures of three other carvings (from our personal collection) showing women jigging for fish. They attest to the fact that this was a common occupation for women in many communities. None of them matches the Qavaroak's excitement, emphasizing how exceptional the Qavaroak is.

The first is by Mattiusi Iyaituk, of Ivujivik, and is rendered in his characteristic semi-abstract style.

The second is by Davidee Kavik, from Sanikiluaq. This mother has brought her child along on the fishing expedition, and is depicted after the fish has been landed.

The third is by Luke Noleayoak of Gjoa Haven. Of the three, this is the most expressive, within the limits imposed by the very hard-to-carve Gjoa Haven stone.
About
Alaska on Madison

In keeping with our self-description as a virtual gallery run by collectors for collectors, we offer a limited number of pieces. Every piece is one that we would be happy to have in our personal collection, and the description of each piece explains why. 

We are happy to assist you with inquiries, with searches for particular pieces or artists, with organizing your collections and with buying or selling at auction. Our Inuit artist search tool is available on our website, and we would be delighted to help you use it. If you prefer to puzzle things out for yourself, Deciphering Inuktitut Signatures will help you to identify artists. 
 
We are always pleased to answer questions or just chat. You can contact us by email or by phone at (908) 487-5757.

Our very best wishes to you all.

Ann and Michael Lesk
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Alaska on Madison | (908) 487-5757 | alaskaonmadison@gmail.com | www,alaskaonmadison.com