Hunter Above Aglu

Taloyoak
Stone, Antler, Sinew
18” x 11” x 13.5”

Charlie Ugyuk’s exquisitely detailed Hunter Above Aglu captures a moment of intense stillness and focus on the Arctic ice. The hunter stands behind an aglu (seal breathing hole), partially concealed by three carefully stacked blocks of stone mimicking ice. Carved from dark stone and inlaid with ivory, baleen, and lighter grey stone, the hunter is rendered with remarkable precision—from his intricately etched hair to the sinew line looping from his harpoon to the pinky of his bare left hand.

Ugyuk’s mastery is most evident in the sculpture’s articulation: both the hunter’s head and left hand can be turned, lending the piece a striking sense of movement and intent. The hunter’s face is deeply expressive, with inset ivory eyes, etched lashes, and a partially open mouth showing inlaid teeth and the tip of his tongue. Even the fingernails are inlaid in ivory, with carved knuckles adding to the lifelike effect.

Known for both his fantastical and genre scenes, Ugyuk brought a distinctive emotional intensity to his work. This sculpture exemplifies his rare ability to blend traditional subject matter with technical brilliance. His works are held in major museum collections across Canada and the United States.