Description:

Unidentified Artist, Arviat (Eskimo Point)
HEADS (WATCHING THE DRUM DANCE), CA. 1980

stone
unsigned
2 x 6.5 x 1 in — 5.1 x 16.5 x 2.5 cm; 2 x 6.5 x 1 in — 5.1 x 16.5 x 2.5 cm; 2.25 x 5 x 1 in — 5.7 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm

Estimate: $500—700 CAD

  • Provenance: Padlei Co-Operative Association Ltd., Arviat, NU, ca. 1984
    The Collection of David Sutherland, Victoria, BC
  • Dimensions: 2 x 6.5 x 1 in — 5.1 x 16.5 x 2.5 cm; 2 x 6.5 x 1 in — 5.1 x 16.5 x 2.5 cm; 2.25 x 5 x 1 in — 5.7 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm
  • Medium: stone
  • Notes: Heads (Watching the Drum Dance), is one of over 20 exceptional works in the present auction from the important lifetime collection of former Northwest Territories Arts and Crafts Development Officer David Sutherland.

    An artist in his own right, and former student of the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr Institute), Sutherland developed a lifelong passion for Inuit art, and was an outspoken advocate and author on all matters Inuit, in addition to his role for over 20 years as Northwest Territories Arts and Crafts Development Officer.

    Sutherland and his wife Aiko were popular residents in the various locations in which they were posted, including Inuvik, Churchill, and Yellowknife. Successful in his work, he had to decline promotions to be able to stay in the Arctic, where he continued to develop artists’ facilities into environments of creativity and self-discipline—values not reinforced by all of Sutherland’s predecessors.

    Sutherland’s work brought him into intimate contact with important artists who he continued to champion after his retirement from his post in 1986, including Marion Tuu'luq, Janet Kigusiuq, John Pangnark, Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok, John Kavik, Andy Miki, Luke Iksiktaaryuk, Mathew Aqigaaq and countless others. An avid collector, Sutherland also purchased works, primarily from the Miqsuvik Sewing Shop, and other craft stores in the communities in which he served.

    Gunther Abrahamson, “David Sutherland (1931-2004)”, Inuit Art Quarterly. Vol. 20. No. 1, spring, 2025, 43.
    Marie Bouchard, Marion Tuu’luq (Ottawa: National Gallery of Canada, 2002), 100.
  • Condition: Very good overall condition.
    Irregularities inherent in material.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

The Auctioneers will not undertake packing or shipping. The purchaser
must designate and arrange for the services of an independent shipper
and be responsible for all shipping and insurance expenses. The
Auctioneers will, upon request, provide names of professional packers and
shippers but will not be held responsible for the service or have any liability
for providing this information. Reliable pre-auction estimates of shipping
costs of lots offered in this sale may be obtained from:
Pak Mail
Attn: Taurus Chan
4981 Hwy 7 East, Unit 12A, Markham, ON L3R 1N1
Tel: 905.470.6874; 416.293.8225
Fax: 905.470.6875
[email protected]
www.pakmailmarkham.ca

Permits may be required for international shipments due to export restrictions on endangered species.

29 May 2025 18:00 EDT
Toronto, ON, CA

Waddington's

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $25,000:
25.00%
$25,001+:
22.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
CA$0 CA$199 CA$10
CA$200 CA$499 CA$20
CA$500 CA$999 CA$50
CA$1,000 CA$1,999 CA$100
CA$2,000 CA$4,999 CA$200
CA$5,000 CA$9,999 CA$500
CA$10,000 CA$19,999 CA$1,000
CA$20,000 CA$49,999 CA$2,000
CA$50,000 CA$99,999 CA$5,000
CA$100,000 CA$299,999 CA$10,000
CA$300,000 CA$999,999 CA$25,000
CA$1,000,000 CA$1,999,999 CA$50,000
CA$2,000,000 CA$2,999,999 CA$100,000
CA$3,000,000 CA$4,999,999 CA$200,000
CA$5,000,000 + CA$300,000