A. Overall Composition

      Look at the sculpture from every angle. First of all, are the proportions right -- be especially critical with bears and people; seals, walrus & birds are less likely to be out of proportion as they are much simpler subject matter to carve.

      Next, look at the overall shape and determine whether you find it appealing. Sensuous rounded curves should flow and be very tactile. Conversely, if the piece is intentionally angular, it should be boldly so.

      Finally, stand back and look at the sculpture; does it have "movement" in form? Neither people nor mammals should be rigid or static. This shows a lack of skill or creativity by the artist. The exception, of course, is inanimate objects such as inuksuks. In a composition piece, all subjects must work together to strengthen the sculpture. You must see a relationship between the subjects and understand how each adds to the work of art. With composition pieces, it is especially important that you view it "in the round" as it, no doubt, will be seen from several perspectives.

B. How does the stone look? Is it interesting? Do you like the colour(s)?

     The colour does not affect the value -- colour is a matter of personal choice. While "fault" lines are found on all sculpture (natural veining from when the stone was formed millions of years ago), it is preferable that they not appear on the face of a human sculpture or through the features of a mammal as they are distracting.

      Hard carving stones such as serpentine and basalt are much preferred by collectors and are more valuable than the softer soapstone found in Quebec or in imported alabaster. The softer the stone, the easier it is to carve, and the more the artist (and community) tends to produce. Therefore, a large bear from Arctic Quebec may be worth less than a smaller, exquisitely carved polar bear from Iqaluit. A mistake frequently made by novices is to buy/compare by size alone. NOTE: See more detailed explanation about the stones under FAQ #4. What is it made out of?

C. Which community is it from?

      Basically, Canada's Arctic can be divided into 6 areas in terms of sculpture -- each with its own type of stone and distinctive style: Baffin Island, The Keewatin, Western Arctic, Belcher Islands, Arctic Quebec and Northern Labrador. See FAQ 5. Does the Stone or Style vary from region to region?

      Certain areas, especially those with softer carving stone [i.e. soapstone] are extremely prolific, often to the detriment of creativity and originality. Overall, the best works come from lower Baffin Island, although there are several very well-known artists in the Keewatin (namely Baker Lake & Gjoa Haven/Spence Bay).