Henry Evaluarjuk | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Article

Henry Evaluarjuk

Henry Evaluarjuk, sculptor (b at Igloolik region, north Melville Pen 1923), directly related to the Evaluarjuk who was so important as an informant to the Danish anthropologist Knud Rassmussen.

Evaluarjuk, Henry

Henry Evaluarjuk, sculptor (b at Igloolik region, north Melville Pen 1923), directly related to the Evaluarjuk who was so important as an informant to the Danish anthropologist Knud Rassmussen. Evaluarjuk moved from Igloolik to Frobisher Bay [Iqaluit], southeast Baffin Island, during the DEW Line construction era in the mid-1950s. He had done some earlier ivory and stone carving but began his development as a sculptor in Frobisher. Following this period, he went to Yellowknife, NWT, and remained there for several years. During that period, he greatly perfected his carving skills, drawing on his great hunter's memory for human and animal forms, most especially sleek, lively bear sculptures for which he has become justly famous. In addition, Evaluarjuk also possesses an outstanding talent for drawing.