First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

LOT 20

Lot 20

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Lot 20 Details
UNIDENTIFIED, Igloolik

WOMAN IN HER AMAUTIQ, LEGGINGS AND BOOTS

ivory, stone and colour
c. 1890-1920
3" x 1.25" x 1.5" — 7.6 x 3.2 x 3.8 cm.

Estimate $3,000-$4,500

Realised: $2,880
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
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Provenance:

Norman Hallendy Collection, Ottawa

Note:

In Historic times (the 19th century and possibly into the early 20th) Iglulingmiut women wore an interesting style of long boot whose design included quite large side pouches, used for extra storage. The pouches on this carving are distinctive enough to suggest the Igloolik region as its source (although the design was not exclusive to this area). The carving was originally thought to have originated in the northwest coast of Hudson Bay, which is not too far away.

This important Historic Period carving is one of the most stunning early artworks we have seen. While many early ivories are charming and historically interesting, few can match this small sculpture for sheer artistic merit. One fascinating feature of this work is the addition of stone soles to the boots. These may represent darker, tougher sealskin, or perhaps the even tougher bearded seal or walrus, used as soles.

References: for an 1874 lithograph depicting Iglulik women wearing leggings with exaggerated pouches and a replica pair see Jill Oakes and Rick Riewe, Our Boots: An Inuit Women’s Art (Douglas & McIntyre, 1995) p. 77. For a pattern drawing and a replica pair see Betty Kobayashi Issenman, Sinews of Survival: The Living Legacy of Inuit Clothing (UBC Press, 1997) p. 131.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 20
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.