7.2 cm (width)
7.2 cm (length)
12.8 cm (height)
Description
Grey "soapstone" carving of an Inuk mother kneeling and holding up her child in front of her. Woman has hairline, downturned almond eyes with white for eyes and pupil in middle, round nose, and large downturned lips. She is wearing traditional clothing - appears to be amauti (parka) with the hood down (or with pouch for child), dotted line detailing along hood, and line detailing near bottom and near wrists. She is also wearing mittens (no finger details), pants, and boots. Her legs are tucked under her at her side and she is kneeling, with her arms stretched in front of her holding her child. Child is wrapped up in blanket (papoose?) with zig-zag pattern in front. Carved with hairline, almond-shaped eyes with whites and round pupils, nose, and flat lined mouth.
This carving is inscribed on the bottom with "Annie" and either syllabics or number markings that are partially covered with adhesive. Based on the style and theme of this piece, it is believed that the artist is Annie Niviaxie. The artist is known for carving the female motif, and focusing on themes of mother and child. This piece has many similarities in technique and style to another piece attributed to Annie Niviaxie
here. The details in the face, amauti (parka), shape of the figure and kneeling, and particularly the dotted carving into the lining of the hood, hold a lot of similarities in style and technique. This carving also resembles styles similar to her communities of Inukjuak and Kuujjuaraapik.
