Romeo Eekerkik

Romeo Eekerkik (1923-1983) was a carver/sculptor from Arviat, NU. He was adopted by his step-father after his mother died, and later resided with his brother near Tikiraqjuaq (Whale Cove), NU.

Eekerkik is noted for his use of bone and caribou antler to create his intricate sculptures. His artistic interest in these materials is unique. Sculptors and carvers from Arviat, within the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, are known for using dark, firm and local steatite stone to create their carvings. Eekerkik’s artwork primarily features human or spiritual figures such as shamans, as well as animals from northern environments. For example, Family (1976) is currently located within the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s collection. This pale, caribou antler sculpture includes three figures standing in a line. They are each holding small items, such as a human head, a bear and a figure sitting in a kayak. Each figure additionally wears an amulet on their back, which is believed to offer protection according to shamanic interpretations.

Eekerkik also was known to creatively collaborate his wife, Martha Ikiperiak Eekerkik (1912-1979), in her artistic practice. She was a seamstress who created wall hangings, and Eekerkik used caribou antler to carve the faces that his wife included in her wall hangings. Eekerkik’s artwork is in several prominent art collections, such as the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, ON and the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg, MB. His work has also been included in exhibitions such as Uumajut: Animal Imagery in Inuit Art (March to May 1985) at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg, MB and Inuit Master Artists of the 1970s (January to February, 1980) at the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver in Vancouver, BC.