Drum Dancer

A large stone sculpture full of motion and rhythm! This figure displays a gestural stance while playing its bone drum and dancing. 

Approx. 29 x 12 x 26cm
Serpentinite stone, bone
Reg. No. 179004 

Jaco started carving at the age of sixteen, encouraged by his mother, the well-known artist Elisapee Ishulutaq (Order of Canada). He learned about technique by watching his grandfather, and he is equally comfortable with antler, ivory, whalebone, and soapstone. Jaco has also produced graphics work for the archives at the Uqqurmiut Centre, choosing images based on stories told by his grandfather. Some of his drawings have been used by the Pangnirtung printmakers and weavers in their annual collections. Jaco sculpts many subjects from traditional Inuit culture, including the Sea Goddess. He hopes depicting her will help to pass down traditional wisdom and knowledge related to her, while honouring her at the same time. His work is especially fluid and detailed, often incorporating mixed media to heighten the naturalism of his work.

Today Jaco is the most prolific carver in the area, and he makes an excellent living from his art. His pieces are highly sought and are exhibited in fine art galleries all over the world. An active participant in Pangnirtung community life, Jaco also instructs wilderness survival courses and volunteers to serve with the Pangnirtung Rangers, a local rescue and security team.