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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
Blue Ice Explorer – South Greenland 4 days – easy going

Blue Ice Explorer

South Greenland 4 days – easy going

South Greenland is famous for its Norse history and blue icebergs, and you can easily reach both on daytrips from the airport in Narsarsuaq.

FROM €435
Blue Ice Explorer: Traditional kayak experience – 1 day

Blue Ice Explorer

Traditional kayak experience - 1 day

Explore the old inuit culture by paddling in a kayak built using the traditional, greenlandic methods.

FROM €180
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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By Visit Greenland

Behind Greenland's largest travel site is the Visit Greenland that is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland, who is responsible for marketing the country's adventures and opportunities for guests wishing to visit the world's largest island

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The Flora of 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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