It is an exciting area with many talented artists, and some of the nicest people he has met. We hope you will enjoy the creativity, spirituality, and good humor in the work as much as we do. First some basics that may be of interest. The term Inuit has replaced Eskimo, which is considered a derogatory term. Inuit has long been the name these aboriginal people of northern Canada have called themselves.
Carving is an Inuit tradition dating back centuries.
Stone carving gained popularity in the late 1940's due to a few dedicated individuals and encouragement from the Canadian government. It was seen as both a medium for artistic expression as well a boon for the local economies. As with many art forms, styles have evolved and changed over the years. Early pieces were usually representational, with more whimsy and drama appearing over time. Naturalistic, abstract and surrealistic animal and human forms as well as shamanic and mythological figures appear in Inuit sculpture.