Inuk Barbie Designs

Barbara Akoak is a visual and performing artist.

Inuk Barbie Designs is a jewelry brand founded by Barbara Akoak, an Inuk artist based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. She combines traditional Inuit teachings and motifs with contemporary metalsmith techniques to create distinctive jewelry pieces. Barbara works with natural materials such as seal claws, antler, walrus ivory, and narwhal tusks, often blending them with silver or semi-precious metals. Her designs honor ancestral knowledge while reflecting her personal experiences growing up across Inuit communities in the Arctic.

Barbara follows the Inuit principle of giving and receiving, exchanging her handcrafted pieces with hunters and friends, creating a meaningful cycle of creativity and community. She draws inspiration from her bloodline, elders, and the diverse teachings she has learned about traditional jewelry, hunting tools, and crafts. Her work not only celebrates Inuit culture but also brings contemporary craftsmanship to a global audience, making each piece both unique and full of cultural significance.

The business emphasizes the Inuit principle of giving and receiving, often exchanging handcrafted pieces with hunters and friends, creating a meaningful cycle of community and creativity. Inuk Barbie Designs not only celebrates Inuit culture but also shares it with a wider audience, making each piece both culturally significant and visually striking. The brand has participated in events like Indigenous Fashion Week, highlighting its commitment to Indigenous artistry and global visibility.

Tags: Design & Fashion