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Legends and Stories
Levi Qumaluk Puvirnituq, Nunavik Legend, 1976 stone, antler, leather and cellophane tape McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Gift of the Fairview Mall Merchants Association 1977.19 The Hunter and the Giant is a well-known Inuit legend. Levi Qumalukís sculpture, Legend, depicts the Inuit hunter toiling with the infamous giant named Saakiluusi. The Tuurnngaq, or the 'long-ago' people, lived in houses of solid rock and were known to make Inuit hunters disappear. Saakiluusi, so named because of his large belly and his short parka, was fierce and dangerous. Despite Saakiluusiís disposition and bulk, he is subdued by the resourceful hunter. Qumalukís work relates every detail of the story. In this sculpture the giant, having just emerged from the doorway of his house, shields his eyes against the sun as he looks into the distance. Unsuspecting, he is shot in the stomach by the hunter crouching at his feet. Saakiluusi is shown gasping for breath, prior to his fateful retreat and subsequent death inside his stone house. Return to Inuit Legends and stories Return to Inuit artists main page |