Sculptures made from whale bones may seem like an ancient practice, but in northern Canada, not until the “western way” transformed the original native (or aboriginal as labeled in Canada) culture and way of life have locals carved such massive pieces of art. It’s modern art (20th century).
some "happy" modern art
The indigenous culture and its nomadic way of life across the cold Canadian Arctic did not allow for such large pieces art. All items carried across the frozen tundra held a practical purpose. Yes, art has a purpose in life, that is why they carved small toys (art) used to depict life. I guess if they wanted to see large art displays all they needed to do was look to the sky and see the Northern Lights.
Stay adventurous, Craig
Travel Tip: To see more Inuit Art, especially sculptures visit the Eskimo Museum in Churchill, Manitoba. It holds an extensive collection of Inuit Artifacts dating back to the 1800s, but mostly displays “modern” art, with 1,000 sculptures from the 1930s to present day.
Also, special thanks to Travel Manitoba and Frontiers North for hosting me in Churchill.
