Posted by: patbirder
on Jun 01, 2009
The town of Pangnirtung and the city of Iqaluit are located in the southeastern region of Baffin Island. Like much of Nunavut, most inhabitants are Inuit peoples although around forty percent of Iqaluit’s population is made up of non-native peoples. While Pangnirtung is sometimes called the Switzerland of the Arctic for the snow-capped mountains that provide constant, background scenery, Iqaluit’s population of 6,000 gives it the distinction of being the smallest provincial capital city. This largest city of Nunavut also hosts many native artists that work in a variety of mediums. Nevertheless, the native artists from the Iqaluit area are known for crafting soapstone and serpentine sculptures of animals in exaggerated, action poses. Sculptures of “dancing bears” in particular (some fairly large) are typical of the Iqaluit style as are sculptures of the Inuksuk. Somewhat playing the role of an Arctic scarecrow as well as important landmarks, Inuksuks that vaguely resemble a human form were used to trick caribous during hunts.
Pangnirtung is also known for sculptures of animals done in exaggerated poses, although they tend to be larger, more shamanistic in nature, and are also carved from whalebone. In addition to sculptures, native art from Pangnirtung is also represented by weaving and printmaking.
Northern / Arctic Travel Blog 
