Featured Seeking Opinion on Unusual Inuit Carving

This is coming up at a local auction. I have never seen a carving like this one, with multiple figures (and dogs) on a platform. It does appear to be soapstone, and carved from a single piece except for the dog sitting upright in one corner. On the bottom you can see where he seems to be pegged in. I cannot find any recognizable signature, although there may be traces of one along one edge. It is approximately 7" square. (The string visible on the bottom is from the auction's string tag, taped on.) Any opinions @Mark London or @Taupou? (Or anyone else, of course.) Thanks.

 

It is by a sculptor named Ennutsiak and I would be happy to take it off your hands if you are successful!

 

Finally...a piece you like !!!

 

Thanks so much! I will do my best.

 

I like lots of things....

 

Years ago a client of mine brought in an Ennutsiak that he found at an antique store in Vermont. He paid $500 for it and I paid him $5,000! Sadly, he never told me where he found it. I’ve sold thousands of pieces over the years but that one was amongst the top ten.

 

I bought an Ennutsiak on eBay a couple of weeks ago for $115.00....not too shabby.

 

Well, you don't see many of those show up here !!

 

good luck with the auction!!

 

2many, will you keep us posted?

 

Yes. Fingers crossed!

 

Final report: too rich for my blood.

 

Sorry to hear that. There is always a next time.

 

How high did it go?

 

I quit at $565. It went for $590 (+ at least 10% buyer's fee). As usual, no telling how high it would have gone if I kept bidding. More than I could invest at the moment, at least. Someone else knew it was significant, I guess. I prefer bargains. c'est la vie.

 

Thanks so much for the Follow-through, and not to fear, something else WILL come along eventually!!!!!