Collection: Robert McCoy-Apangalook (Utuqsiq)

Robert McCoy-Apangalook, known by his Siberian Yup’ik name Utuqsiq, is an Alaska Native ivory carver whose work reflects a deep connection to family, place, and cultural continuity.

Originally from Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, a community known for its strong ivory carving tradition, Utuqsiq comes from a lineage where carving is both an art form and a way of life. In his family, “most of the men are carvers,” grounding his work in generations of inherited knowledge and practice.

He began carving as a teenager, mentored by his uncle, respected carver Ron Apangalook, who helped guide his early development. His Native name, given by his grandfather, connects him to his homeland and identity, and it is the name he signs on his work—carrying that lineage forward with each piece.

Working primarily in walrus ivory, whalebone, baleen, and other traditional materials, Utuqsiq creates both traditional and contemporary carvings, often depicting marine animals central to Yup’ik life such as walrus, seals, and whales. His work reflects not only technical skill, but a lived understanding of subsistence culture and the relationship between people, animals, and the land.

Beyond his own artistic practice, Utuqsiq is deeply committed to mentorship and cultural preservation. Recognizing the importance of passing knowledge forward, he actively supports emerging artists—donating tools, materials, and guidance to ensure the next generation can continue the carving tradition.

His work has been featured in exhibitions highlighting contemporary Alaska Native art, reflecting both the continuity of tradition and the evolving voice of modern Yup’ik carving.

Through each piece, Utuqsiq carries forward a living tradition—one shaped by family, strengthened through mentorship, and sustained by a deep respect for culture and community.