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Soapstone art in Greenland

Soapstone is a beautiful and malleable material and has been used for centuries for tools and artistic carvings.

AN EASILY WORKABLE STONE

In former times soapstone was primarily used in articles for everyday use, such as fishing tackle, soapstone lamps and various domestic utensils such as mess tins and other containers.

Since that time, however, Greenlandic artists have become aware of the accommodating stone with its attractive and varied nuances.

Today each soapstone artist has his own style and personal expression and the stone is inspiring an increasing number of young artists to develop their own techniques.

SOAPSTONE AS APPLIED ART AND TUPILAKS

Soapstone can be worked into reliefs, flat and reclining figures, jewellery, applied art and tupilaks.

In fact it can also be used in the visual arts if the artist polishes one side of the stone to a glossy black surface, and cuts light motifs into this surface. A number of artists mix different types of pastel-coloured soapstone and thereby end up with a completely new expression.

Soapstone figures can be exported out of Greenland without restriction and can be bought in all towns at tourist offices and souvenir shops.

"Since that time, however, Greenlandic artists have become aware of the accommodating stone with its attractive and varied nuances."

Package Tours

Disko Line: Day trip to Eqip Sermia

Disko Line

Day trip to Eqip Sermia

Experience the beautiful Eqi glacier that runs into the fjord north of Ilulissat.

FROM €327
Greenland Tours: Hearts of the Inuit

Greenland Tours

Hearts of the Inuit

6 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

FROM €1,365
Greenland Tours: Disko Classics

Greenland Tours

Disko Classics

5 days in Ilulissat incl. city tour, Ilulissat Icefjord and boat tour to the icebergs.

FROM €915
Disko Line: Whale Safari

Disko Line

Whale Safari

Take a whale safari in Disko Bay and have a unique experience.

FROM €160
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Dwellings of the Inuit culture House in Sisimiut. By Visit Greenland An aerial view of iceberg clusters in the Ilulissat ice fjord in Greenland. By Mads Pihl The Guide to Climate Change in Greenland
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