Elijah Michael
Kimmirut, Nunavut
1966
7"H x 5 3/4"W x 2"D
Elijah Michael was one of foremost Arctic wildlife artists. He carved technically challenging sculptures of standing caribous, inspired by Osuitok. One of Elijah's sculptures was given as a gift by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien to Pope John Paul II during a visit to Canada.
Kimmurut artist Elijah Michael died on April 6, 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario. He was 79 years old. A carver all of his adult life, Michael was known for his sculptures of Arctic wildlife, as well for his depictions of family, Inuit games and “Owl Women” (serpentine owls with thick women’s braids). Michael leaves his seven sons and two daughters, as well as nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was mentor to many members of his extended family. The Guild Shop (Toronto) organized several exhibitions of work by the Michael family.
Inuit Art Quarterly, “In Memoriam”, p.46, Vol. 23, No. 3, Fall 2008