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photograph of current display in the Grand Vestibule
Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World

The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world

EYEETSIAK PETER (B.1937)

Taloolayook and Man

1970

RCIN 3719

A serpentinite carving of a female figure with the tail of a fish, her head turned to her left, with long hair flowing down her back and a child holding on to her waist.

This sculpture depicts Taloolayook (also known by the names Taleelayu, Nuliajuk and Sedna), the Inuit goddess of the sea, who is closely associated with stories of creation in Inuit mythology. From Taloolayook are said to come the many forms of Arctic marine life, including seals, walruses and whales. In one version of the legend, these animals were formed after Taloolayook quarrelled with her father: she was thrown into the sea and, when she tried to climb back into the boat, her father chopped off her fingers, which transfigured into Arctic wildlife. Inuit hunters have traditionally prayed to Taloolayook before a hunt in the hope that she might release animals to them.

Eeeyetsiak Peter is an Inuit sculptor and printmaker from Cape Dorset.

    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.