Artist Info
Qavaroak Tunnillie
Qavaroak Tunnillie ᑲᕙᕋᒃ ᑐᓂᓕ (Disc Number: E7-929)
1928 - 1993
The accomplished sculptor, Qavaroak Tunnillie from Kinngait, Nunavut, was the son of graphic artist Ikayukta Tunnillie. Qavaroak’s carvings−including those in the University of Lethbridge Art Collection−frequently depict animals, people, and stories. His works often have graceful curves and smooth lines, which can be seen in the shapes of “Sedna”, “Whale”, and “Bird & Snake” in particular. In 1955-1956, Qavaroak was one of nine Kinngait artists to craft the first Northwest Territories mace. The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly website says of this mace that “Working together for 21 days under the direction of well-known artist James Houston, the artisans created a magnificent object of native copper, whalebone, narwhal tusk, muskox horns, Yellowknife gold, Fort Providence porcupine quillwork, and oak wood salvaged from the wreck of the HMS Fury commanded by British Explorer Sir William Parry. The completed mace was 1.7 metres in length and weighed 15 kilograms.” Work by Qavaroak can be found in the National Gallery of Canada, the AGO, Musée des beaux-arts de Montreal, among others. As well, his work has been presented in many shows including The World Around Me at the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, L’art inuit in France, Sedna: Spirit of the Sea at Feheley Fine Arts, Cape Dorset Sculpture by Ipellee Osuitok, Tutuiya Ikkidluak, Quavaroak Tunnillie, Ashevak Tunnillie, Peter Tunnillie by Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec, and many others. Qavaroak passed away in 1993.
Son: Ashevak Tunnillie
Mother: Ikayukta Tunnillie
Sister: Kakulu Saggiaktok
