Inuit Jewellery Showcase

The Craft Ontario Distillery Shop is excited to announce a new series of showcases with a focus on Jewellery! Our new Distillery Shop comes with exciting possibilities - reaching new audiences, reconnecting with past supporters, and a chance to share the distinct sublimity of Indigenous Craft in a whole new way.

As one of the longest running galleries in Toronto to support and represent Inuit Art, Craft Ontario has a large rotating collection of Inuit Jewellery. Although sculpture, textile and print are notable forms of Inuit art, Inuit jewellery utilizes a number of fascinating materials and techniques to create one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces.

Visit the Craft Ontario Distillery Shop between January 29 - February 23, 2025 to experience and shop a curated collection of Inuit Jewellery inspired by northern life, and featuring the work of Annie Kanarjuak, Dan Wade, Ines Shiwak, Martha Noah, Mathew Nuqingaq, Mary Qitsualuk, Simon Qinuajuak, and Wayne Oben. 

One of the features of this collection is the variety of unique materials used. Sealskin, caribou antler, stone, ivory from walrus and narwhal tusk, baleen and bone. All of these materials come from the animals that are hunted and harvested as part of the Inuit way of life.

In Inuit culture there is an emphasis on the use of all parts of hunted animals; Meat for food, skins for warmth, and then there are a number of materials left which can be used in many ways. Here are some materials commonly used:

• Bone - often harvested from whales, large pieces of bone are used for sculpture or smaller pieces for jewellery
• Antler - caribou antler is used for the interesting cross section which resemble a halo
• Ivory - distinguished by its glossy white appearance, ivory from the north is harvest from the tusks of narwhal and walrus'
• Baleen - baleen whales have baleen plates/sheets made of keratin with a distinctive jet black colouring, which sieve prey from seawater. Used for sculpture and jewellery
• Muskox horn - featuring a cream colour and round hollow form, muskox horn is often used in jewellery or is carved into bird sculptures
• Sealskin - texture, pattern and the capacity for dye offers flexibility and versatility for jewellery and apparel
• Stone - often used for sculpture, some miniature sculptures are also used in jewellery
  
• Metal - silver, gold and other metals are also often used in Inuit Jewellery

See a photo below of two pairs of earrings featuring a cross section of bone, baleen and ivory carved into an Ulu shape.

Imagery from Inuit culture is often used in this jewellery to create distinctive designs. Some commonly used imagery is:

• Inukshuk - “in the likeness of a human”, a stacked, stone marker used to assist hunters and guide travellers
• Ulu - a short-handled knife with a broad crescent-shaped blade traditionally used by Inuit women
• Kamik - a traditional Inuit boot made of caribou hide or sealskin
• Sedna - the goddess of the sea and marine animals, taking form of a mermaid
• Ookpik - or ukpik is the Inuktitut word for owl. Often small, handmade souvenirs with big eyes, a beak, and small black talons

Traditional beading techniques are combined with sealskin shapes to create large colourful earrings. 

There are also many Inuit Jewellers who use traditional jewellery making techniques to depict cultural motifs. See two rings below portraying an igloo and the northern lights.

Make your way to the Craft Ontario Distillery Shop to see the full collection!
Interested in showcasing your jewellery in our Distillery Shop? Apply here!