How to sell Inuit soapstone carvings

We have been getting a lot of questions lately like “how do I sell my Inuit art collection that I inherited?” or “I am downsizing and cannot bring my large collection of Inuit soapstone carvings with me, what would you recommend?” There are many ways to sell you soapstone sculptures, here are a few of them.

 First, contact Inuit art galleries, send them pictures of your art. Most likely they will be interested in some of the pieces and could offer a very good price for them. For example, we are constantly looking for older Inuit soapstone sculptures from 1950s, 1960s, especially the ones that are still in perfect shape. If you have a very expensive and rare carving, like white walking bear Henry Evaluardjuk, most Inuit art galleries would be more than happy to take your piece on consignment and sell it for you.

Second, advertise your collection of Inuit sculptures on Kijiji and Craigslist. It won't cost you anything and you’ll get a world wide exposure. Try to take good pictures, it may even worth going to a photographer and getting professional pictures done.  

Third, contact auction houses that sell Inuit art. Two major ones are Waddingtons based in Toronto and Walkers based in Ottawa. Google them for contact info. They run Inuit art auctions two-three times a year and constantly looking for pieces to take on consignment. Usually you would have to pay an insertion fee even if your soapstone carvings doesn’t sell, so it’s a bit of a risk.

Last, but not the least, go to your local antique shops and ask them if they would be willing to take a look at your collection and possibly buy it.