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This sculpture, titled Shaman, was created by Nick Sikkuark in Kugaaruk in the 1990s. It is made from walrus skull, bone, antler, fur, sinew, ivory and black inlay. - photos courtesy of the Winnipeg Art Gallery

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Art Gallery is preparing to open a new display of Inuit art focused on the theme of shamanism later this week.

Titled Angakuqq: Inuit Shaman, the exhibit features 70 works of sculpture, prints and textiles.

The 30 sculptures include early pieces from the 1950s and contemporary works. They depict the many aspects of shamanism, including representations of the role of shamans in traditional Inuit culture, their powers and abilities to transform into their animal helping spirit.

Carvers from Cape Dorset, Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven, Arctic Bay, Iglulik, Arviat and several other communities are represented. Materials include whalebone, stone, antler and muskox horn.

Many of the 40 prints and drawings originated in Baker Lake, Cape Dorset and Holman.

Artists include Simon Tookoome, the late Jessie Oonark and her son William Noah of Baker Lake, Napachie Pootoogook of Cape Dorset and the late Helen Kalvak of Holman.

The only wall hanging in the show, titled Good and Evil, is by Irene Azalaaqiaq of Baker Lake.

The exhibit runs from Feb. 7 until May 3.