2013 - Arctic Symbols

2013
Arctic Symbols - Life in the North Design

This commemorative coin tells many stories. The story of the beluga and bowhead whales, which are often seen swimming the Arctic waters. It speaks of kayaks and umiaks, the boats used by the Inuits to travel and hunt. It shows the pattern of an igloo's snow blocks and an amauti that tells the story of Inuit women. And, it tells of a Dorset mask and Thule comb from the ancient people of the North.

In 1913, an international crew of scientists, sailors, guides and crewmen called the Canadian Arctic Expedition (CAE) set sail on a remarkable voyage of discovery in Canada's High Arctic. During the five years that followed, their work would touch unprecedented facets of Canada's far-flung northern reaches, including: previously unknown lands and islands, as well as thousands of photographs, artifacts and specimens that offered Canadians a glimpse of life in the Arctic. Their discoveries not only better defined Canada's northern boundaries, but fundamentally contributed to Canada's scientific, social and cultural knowledge of the Arctic and the people who lived there.

Life in the North Design:
Designed by renowned Inuit artist Tim Pitsiulak, this coin includes a beautifully detailed design that combines animal and human imagery. A traditional whaling boat and three kayaks wrap around the image along the rim to depict a traditional bowhead whale hunt. Two beluga whales swim alongside a bowhead whale – animals that have long been a source of inspiration to the artist. The bowhead is adorned with several elements drawn from the Inuit culture. To honour the Tuniit people who first crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia, Dorset ivory masks adorn the bowhead’s lower jaw and its back. A Thule ivory comb lies across the top of the whale’s head, representing the Inuit expansion across Canada. The pattern on the whale’s side mimics the walls of an igloo, while the amauti design that graces the whale’s tale symbolizes the clothing worn by Inuit women.

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See other coin in this set: 2013 - 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition