Damien Iquallaq

Damien Iquallaq is a talented carver and jewellery maker from Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), NU who is currently based in Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay). He started his career at the age of 18, drawing inspiration from the long line of carvers in his family, including his grandfather Nelson Takkiruq (1930-1999) as well as from his Netsilik Inuit heritage and traditional Inuit stories.

Iquallaq’s carvings often depict traditional legends as well as local animals such as muskox and owls. His creativity and skill come through the details he incorporates into his carvings, such as the texture of muskox hair or bronze bands inlaid into stone. He previously worked with local stone and natural materials but now sources materials such as mammoth ivory from Siberia and Russia, which he prefers to work with for it's large size. Iquallaq has also branched out into jewellery and accessory making using materials sourced by Inuit around Nunavut as well as mammoth ivory.