8" Black Dancing Bear by Johnny Manning

Inuit art: Dancing Bear
Inuit Artist: Johnny Manning
Size: 7.5" tall, 4" wide, 3" deep
Community: Cape Dorset, NU
Stone: Serpentine
id: ndc-171-266905ihjy

This magnificent dancing bear shows Manning at his best.


Johnny is admired for his naturalistic portrayal of the bear. In particular, his bear faces are some of the most outstanding in the industry. This bear holds his head high, nose pointed to the sky. In bear terms, his body is sleek and muscular but still appropriately chubby. Doesn’t he have the look of a professional dancer or figure skater?

Johnny’s bears are always recognized for their flare. Their spirit is vibrant and quietly cosmopolitan. Manning has an aptitude for choosing the precise stone for each of his sculptures. This bear is “dressed” in a tuxedo made from the most perfect inky black serpentine stone.

Dancing bear is simply stunning.

Johnny Manning (1985 - )

Johnny is a younger Inuit artist from Cape Dorset. He began carving at the age of 14. His father, Egeetsiaq Pitseolak, is also an established artist. Johnny learned carving by watching other carvers working. His favourite subject is bears. He is famous for his special attention to bears' facial features.

PROUDLY CANADIAN SINCE 2008