Inuit Soapstone Seal Carving
This item is a hand-carved soapstone sculpture of a seal, likely of Inuit or Arctic First Nations origin. The piece is crafted from a dark, variegated green-and-black soapstone (steatite), featuring a polished finish that highlights the natural stone grain. Its physical form depicts a reclining seal with its head tilted upward and a single flipper resting against its side. The sculpture measures approximately 4 to 6 inches in length. Detailed incised lines are visible on the flippers and tail to simulate the animal's digits, demonstrating careful attention to anatomical detail. The surface exhibits a soft patina consistent with age, along with minor surface abrasions and light scratches typical of soft stone carvings. No prominent maker's marks or signatures are visible in the current view, but it reflects a mid-to-late 20th-century style of Canadian indigenous art. The craftsmanship is characterized by smooth, flowing rounded contours and a solid, weighty feel, indicating high-quality hand-finishing and artistic intent common in traditional soapstone decorative works.
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Estimated Value
$150 - $250
Basic Information
Category
Fine Art / indigenous Sculpture
Appraised On
February 11, 2026
Estimated Value
$150 - $250
Item Description
This item is a hand-carved soapstone sculpture of a seal, likely of Inuit or Arctic First Nations origin. The piece is crafted from a dark, variegated green-and-black soapstone (steatite), featuring a polished finish that highlights the natural stone grain. Its physical form depicts a reclining seal with its head tilted upward and a single flipper resting against its side. The sculpture measures approximately 4 to 6 inches in length. Detailed incised lines are visible on the flippers and tail to simulate the animal's digits, demonstrating careful attention to anatomical detail. The surface exhibits a soft patina consistent with age, along with minor surface abrasions and light scratches typical of soft stone carvings. No prominent maker's marks or signatures are visible in the current view, but it reflects a mid-to-late 20th-century style of Canadian indigenous art. The craftsmanship is characterized by smooth, flowing rounded contours and a solid, weighty feel, indicating high-quality hand-finishing and artistic intent common in traditional soapstone decorative works.
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