First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

LOT 55

Lot 55

JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)

JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
Lot 55 Details
JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976), E9-818, Povungnituk / Puvirnituq

HUNTER WITH HARPOON, BOW AND ARROW

stone, antler, wood, sinew thread
mid-late 1960's
10 x 4 x 2 in — 25.4 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm

Estimate $7,000-$10,000

Realised: $28,800
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
  • JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
  • JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
  • JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
  • JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
  • JOE TALIRUNILI (1893-1976)
Provenance:

an Ottawa private collection; Waddington’s Dec. 1981, Lot 128

Note:

Published: this sculpture is reproduced in the landmark monograph by Marybelle Myers, Joe Talirunili: “a grace beyond the reach of art” (FCNQ, 1977) p. 15.

Joe Talirunili was an elderly man obsessed with the past, particularly his personal and family history. Locally, both the man and his art were considered eccentric. The fearless way in which he approached art making has secured for Talirunili a place in the pantheon of the world’s great folk artists.

Single figures, in particular standing men, women and owls, were Joe’s favourite sculptural themes. The style of this figure itself suggests a mid-late 1960s date. Talirunili actually presents a fair amount of detail in this stone figure of a hunter, both carved and using added materials. He was never one to be fussy about the materials he used for accessories however, using whatever he had on hand. In this relatively large example the result is homespun but quite impressive.

References: for similar figures of hunters by Talirunili see The McMichael Canadian Art Collection (1990) p. 157; and Walker’s May 2015, Lot 58.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 55
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.