Nanuq: Northern Bear
2020
Measurements
Carved moose skull
A popular motif of Balinese carved skulls is the Barong Ket, the spirit of goodness and life. The name is thought to be derived from the root of the Indonesian word beruang, which translates to “bear.”
Nanuq is a guardian spirit as well. As King of Bears, he enforces reverence and proper ceremony after a bear hunt. If the bear’s spirit was not honored properly after death, Nanuq would lead the bears away from the hunters.
Bovine skulls such as water buffalo are a common choice for carvers because of the wide, attractive surface and thick material. I received this moose skull and, upon feeling how much bone it had, wanted to make something similar.