The Inuit People of the Arctic have carved bone, stone, mammoth and walrus ivory into utilitarian and art pieces for thousands of years. A deeper appreciation and  higher level of collecting unique and valuable carvings began with early artists trading with whalers and explorers of the Far North.  

Cape Dorset artists prefer to describe their objects as carvings, as this reflects and honors the ancient skills developed for making tools, talismans and implements by hand.