Explore The Royal Family's close relationship with the region, as well as the diverse artistic traditions represented in the Royal Collection
Taloolayook and man
1970Black serpentinite | 63.0 x 40.0 x 11.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 3719
This sculpture was the winning entry in the Northwest Territories Centennial Competition, organised by the Canadian Eskimo Arts Council (CEAC) in 1970. The exhibition’s stated aim was to stimulate ‘variety and imagination in artistic expression’ among Inuit artists. 280 sculptors were entered by 22 different communities. The day after the exhibition opened, the prize winners were introduced to The Queen, who was touring Manitoba and the Northwest Territories.
This sculpture depicts Taloolayook, Inuit goddess of the sea. From Taloolayook are said to come the many forms of Arctic marine life, including seals, walruses and whales. Inuit hunters have traditionally prayed to Taloolayook before a hunt in the hope that she might release animals to them. The artist, Eeeyetsiak Peter, is an Inuit sculptor and printmaker from Cape Dorset.
