Theft at Victoria Gallery Targets Inuit Carvings

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Three Inuit carvings worth more than $40,000 were stolen Monday morning from Victoria's Madrona Gallery, says the gallery's director, Michael Warren.

He described the theft, captured on security cameras, as a targeted break-in by one person who smashed through the glass door when the gallery was closed. 

Victoria police are investigating.

Warren said the missing pieces were by Pauta Saila, Oviloo Tunnillie and Kupapik Ningeocheak.

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Pauta Saila

"Dancing Bear," stone, 15.5" x 11" x 8" (courtesy of Madrona Gallery)

Saila, a first generation carver, is credited with being the first to have conceptualized and executed the now ubiquitous "dancing bear," Warren said, describing the stolen carving as "exceptionally rare and valuable." Saila's work is on the cover of leading Inuit art publications, such as Ingo Hessel's Inuit Art: An Introduction, and is found in museums around the globe. Dancing Bear is valued at $30,000, Warren said.

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Oviloo Tunnillie R.C.A.

"Holding a Stone (Light green tone)," 1998, 6.5" x 9.75" x 17.75" (courtesy of Madrona Gallery)Stone

Tunnillie was one of the first female carvers in Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut, and rose to fame  by depicting her experiences as a woman living in the North. Her work is found in major museums around the world. Holding a Stone is valued at $12,800.

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Kupapik Ningeocheak

"Large Owl," basalt, 10" x 10" x 5" (courtesy of Madrona Gallery)

Ningeocheak, based in Coral Harbour, Nunavut, is known for carving owls. The one that was stolen is valued at $1,500, Warren said.

Source: Madrona Gallery