9. Kneeling Fisherman

Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Serpentine, Antler, Wood
19.5” x 8.5” x 9”

This striking serpentine sculpture by Osuitok Ipeelee captures a moment of poised intensity—a kneeling fisherman frozen in time, kakivak raised high in his right arm, ready to strike. With a furrowed brow and a mouth set in quiet determination, the fisherman’s expression conveys deep focus and resolve. This work was likely completed later in Ipeelee’s career, a period during which he often collaborated with family members in his elder years. It is probable that one of his sons assisted in the execution of this piece, contributing to its refined detailing while maintaining the sculptural clarity and poise characteristic of Ipeelee’s hand.

The masterful carving extends to the fine etched details of the fisherman’s clothing, with careful incisions accentuating the cuffs, elbows, and hem. The boots, too, are intricately etched to evoke the texture of sealskin. Grounded in cultural tradition and rendered with extraordinary realism, this sculpture is both a tribute to Inuit fishing prowess and a testament to Ipeelee’s compositional skill.