Calling for Seals/Natingnik Togholaokton

About this object

Narrative

The set was originally purchased by a previous owner in Toronto. In Feb. 2024 the donors purchased the set from the previous owner, in a silent auction benefit.

Iconographic meaning

The bear paw the dog has in its mouth symbolizes a polar bear, the most powerful helping spirit of an angatkok and a successful predator of the seal.

Physical description

Stonecut print of overhead image of figures surrounding a seal breathing hole, inside an igloo at a winter camp; done in horizontal orientation on off-white paper. Standing figures are all hunters, wearing hooded, long-tailed parkas; shaman kneels in front of hole with raised arms, wearing a fringed belt. To right of shaman, a dog kneels with a bear paw in its mouth. All figures are done in black; outline of igloo done in dark blue. Artist signature written next to igloo opening. Title, Calling for Seals/Natingnik Togholaokton, edition number, 14/55, and artist and printer names, Kalvak/L. Nigiyok, written in pencil along bottom edge of print. Holman Eskimo Co-Operative stamp blind embossed in bottom right corner.