ON HOLD.
A fantastic and rare Ookpik. We’ve never seen one this large before! A mighty 8.5” h, x 7” w (at his feet). Leather and fur. In excellent condition. Ukpik, 1960s
History
The Ookpik was a popular hand-crafted souvenir made by the Inuit in the 1960s. Made of wolf fur, sealskin or other traditional materials available to the Inuit. His name itself comes from Ukpik, the Inuktitut word for snowy owl!
His origins are in Kuujjuaq, formerly known as Fort Chimo, created by an Inuk woman named Jeannie Snowball (see photo).
The increase in Ookpik’s popularity was largely due to the federal government's decision to choose him as the representative for Canada at the World Trade Fair held in Philadelphia in 1963 and a national symbol for Expo 67.
The owl has a deep significance to the Inuit. Owls are a symbol of guidance and wisdom. Some oral histories speak of owls acting as shepherds for our spirits into the afterlife.
Watch this NFB short! The Owl and the Lemming
https://youtu.be/b0hs5hm252w
