Joanie Ragee Dancing Bear

Serpentine 8" Height x 3.1/2" Width x 4.1/4"Depth

Joanie Ragee has been carving since he was 14 years old, learning from his older brother Siutapik and grandfather Inuk Munamie in the traditional manner of observation. Starting with inukshuks at age 12, Joanie has developed a passion for creating animals, particularly polar bears. His sculptures are known for their realistic depiction and skillful portrayal of mass and movement. Hailing from Iqaluit, Joanie is the son of Nowdlak Noah, with his brother Siutiapiq Ragee and uncles Toonoo Sharky and Napachie Sharky also being well-known Inuit artists. Drawing on his childhood experiences of watching his family members carve, Joanie has become a renowned artist with a focus on large dancing bears and a commitment to creating realistic and beautiful pieces.

Serpentine is the most commonly used stone in Inuit sculptures, although ivory, caribou antler, and bones may also be carved. It belongs to a group of minerals known as hydrous magnesium iron silicate, and often has inclusions that give it a unique color variation, ranging from black, brown, or grey, to olive green or yellow. Most often, this type of stone is found in Nunavut territory, especially in Kinngait (also known as Cape Dorset), where many Inuit artists reside and create their works. This community, located on Baffin Island, is renowned as a leading Inuit art center in the circumpolar artistic scene, and the area is rich in serpentine. However, this type of stone can also be found in other regions of Nunavut.