 Some of my students expressed curiosity in the everyday lives of Greenlanders. So when I can, I would like to introduce you to some of them. First, meet Barse Lyberth Svendsen, Artist ('Kusanartuliortoq') here in Sisimiut, Greenland. This morning, as big fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky blanketing Sisimiut in its proper winter coat, we opened our workshop to anyone interested in learning about 3D scanning and digital heritage methods. Our first visitor was Barse. He brought with him some of the traditional art he produces from local materials. Barse had the opportunity to 3D scan a few of the pieces he sells, including a carved crochet needle, pendants, small carvings, and an ulu, a traditional Inuit knife. With Alice’s help, he now has 3D scans of these objects to put online. While waiting for the scans to process, we were able to get a bit of a life story.  Greenlandic artist Barse Svendsen learning to create a 3D model of his art that can be shared online. Barse started his career as a bus driver. Twenty years ago, a back injury made that difficult. He turned to art and now has a shop where he sells traditional Greenlandic art. His work uses traditional material from the environment, including reindeer antlers, walrus and narwal tusks. Given the protected nature of these materials, the right to use them is reserved for Greenlanders only. He sources the material for his art from local hunters who are allowed to hunt a certain number of these animals each year. In addition to creating art, he teaches traditional art methods to communities in Sarfannguit and Itilleq, two settlements nearby.  Figurines and an Ulu knife made by hand from traditional Greenlandic materials.
14 Comments
Anthony Palermo
11/4/2021 04:35:04 pm
I love the Figurines! I think it tells a certain history and the culture for me. I don't know a lot of Greenland and the history behind besides Nordic Mythology to some extent. But I feel this is so cool and interesting from the figures and the process it's going to be to learn much more from Barse, it's so cool and i'm extremely excited for this and what it's going to tell us soon!!
Christian Mott
11/4/2021 05:04:01 pm
This art is very fascinating to observe, I would’ve never guessed these art pieces were made out of materials from local animals. I think it’s a great way to show what the animal looks like while also having an actual piece of the animal to represent its history! I bet his art methods would be very cool to observe and learn about.
Melissa Michel
11/4/2021 05:38:23 pm
Does Barth Liberty have a website for his artwork? Does he ever consider selling them ? I also would like to know if he gets the materials from animals who already have passed away or animals who are hunted for.
Connor
11/4/2021 05:48:07 pm
I found the life of Barse Lyberth Svendsen a very interesting read. One of the classes I am taking this semester, Cross-Cultural Approaches to Art, covers many different art traditions among many cultures but this is the first time I am seeing traditional Greenlandic art! It is nice that Greenlanders are allowed to use the materials they made things with in the past while still respecting the endangered status of the animals they acquire these materials from.
Gabriella Scott
11/4/2021 09:05:53 pm
How interesting! My brother actually 3D prints things for his job and it always blew my mind. I remember one time he completely rescanned his friend's entire body and 3D printed it 100 times over, placing the figurines all over his friend's house as a joke - kind of terrifying but in a funny way. I love the cultural aspect of this man's art; it is so unique and helps you grasp what Greenland is about.
Brianna N Novotny
11/5/2021 05:29:35 am
This art is beautiful! I love being able to see this kind of art since this is not something you see everyday. It is great to see that he gets his materials from hunters and only greenlanders can use the materials. It makes it that more unique!
Amaya Campbell
11/5/2021 07:55:44 am
His art is very interesting and from the pictures he seems to be enjoying his time with you guys, as you guys seem to enjoy his! Being able to talk with someone actually from Greenland and see what they do for work must be interesting. Does he sell any of his pieces?
Aaron Cheeseman
11/5/2021 10:19:12 am
Very cool figurines! I would love to know his process for making these figurines, as it seems like he puts a lot of time into them. Making them out of local materials adds a cool level of authenticity to them as well. I'm very excited to learn more about the different lives of Greenlanders!
Jeimi Toribio
11/5/2021 01:17:06 pm
The figurines are extremely beautiful and they do an amazing job capturing Greenlandic culture. I recognize the ulu as I have watched multiple videos on the Inuit people using this tool to cut meat. Its fascinating to see new technology and how helpful it can be to others.
Miranda Schell
11/5/2021 07:50:13 pm
Wow! Barse’s work is really interesting! That is neat he got to 3D print his work. It amazes me that he can make these creatures out of materials like antlers and tusks, right in Greenland. I particularly really like the seals, they are adorable. I was surprised to learn that the right to use these materials is reserved for Greenlanders only. I think that is a smart rule.
Kelsy Shumaker
11/6/2021 10:18:56 am
These pieces by Barse are beautiful! The fact that he is able to create them from things like antlers or tusks is definitely something that I have never seen before. I can tell that he definitely puts a great amount of time and passion into his figurines! Learning about Barse makes me wonder about some of the other locals and what they do too!
Charlie Sarkioglu
11/6/2021 01:01:37 pm
In addition to the preservation purposes of the technology, it is satisfying to learn that artists like Barse are able to utilize 3D scanning for putting artwork online as well. The detail of his figurine carvings is impressive. They seem to be carved from stone rather than animal parts. It is comforting to know that the antlers and tusks he uses have protections associated with them that allow for Greenlander’s only. There is something about using animal parts to carve animals that are native to the area that carries a message about the environmental preservation aspect of Greenland’s culture. As in, the way the carvings represent the native living species that need to be protected.
MaKenna Adams
11/7/2021 05:44:42 am
His work is absolutely stunning! I find it so interesting when cultures continue to use older methods of art and craft as it is such a big part of their history. And I love that there are regulations set in place to not only protect the craft itself, but to also protect the animals used in the process. It shows respect for their culture but also a respect for the environment you don't really see often
Elaine Majors
11/7/2021 06:49:49 pm
I love Barse's artwork! They're definitely very unique and I really like the two little seals they're very cute. The knife is also very cool, as someone who collects swords, daggers, and knifes this is very much something that interests me. It amazes me that he's able to make these kinds of things out of antlers and tusks! I bet the process would be wonderful to watch. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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About me:
I am an anthropology professor, writer, researcher and global traveler. In fall of 2021, I led an experiential eLearning project connecting US students (and public) with the people, places, and industries of Greenland. I redesigned a research trip into a virtual field trip for my students who didn't have any Study Abroad options. All of the videos, photos, interviews, and storytelling are still here to enjoy! 
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