Description
This 2013 50-cent coin is certified to be 99.99% fine gold with a diameter of 13.92 millimetres and a metal content of 1.27 grams. It depicts Nowkawalk's Owl Shaman Holding Goose sculpture that reveals the mystical connection the Inuit people share with nature and the spirit world. Inuit shamans have the ability to transform into animals in order to access their wisdom and strengths. In this case, the shaman has shape-shifted into an owl and captured a goose—a powerful image carved from an ancient and enduring culture. Mintage is limited to 10,000 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse features an intricate reproduction of Joanassie Nowkawalk’s original sculpture that he carved out of serpentinite in 1962. As carving material, serpentinite is more difficult for Inuit carvers to work with than compared to soapstone. This stone come in a variety of different colors including green, brown, black and a range of shades in between.
The owl’s round and compact shape conveys the solid physique, adaptations and strength that are essential to surviving in the Arctic while the captured goose reveals the owl’s prowess as a hunter. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
