Sanikiluaq

Carvings from Sanikiluaq, situated in the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay, are very popular with both art collectors and tourists. Human subjects and occasional camp scenes are produced, but it is the representations of the Arctic wildlife of the islands, particularly birds and marine mammals, that have made the art of this community so eagerly sought after. 

Sanikiluaq carvings are generally naturalistic in style, although they can be somewhat stylized, sharp-edged and angular in appearance. These elegant and polished works are often incised with minute detail. They also derive much of their popularity from the argillite stone which ranges from light green to almost black, often has a distinctive striped grain, and takes a beautiful polish.