Inuit
Female Figure
Inuit, 1799-1899
Scroll
Inuit
Female Figure
Inuit, 1799-1899
Physical Qualities
Walrus ivory, 7 11/16 × 2 15/16 × 2 in. (19.5 × 7.5 × 5.1 cm.)
Credit Line
John Erikson Collection
Object Number
1955.167.9
Small human figures were carved for many purposes: as toys for little girls; to stand in for people absent from a village festival; to represent a baby in the hope that one will be brought to a couple who desire one. Whether toy or ceremonial object, the figures are carefully carved with great attention to the character of the face. Both male and female figures are made, their sex defined by anatomical features or with facial decorations.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1955; Margareta Erickson davis Colmore
Purchased by John Erikson in Alaska ca. 1900
Purchased by John Erikson in Alaska ca. 1900
Fitzhugh, William, " Inua: Spirit World of the Bering Sea Eskimo," Washington, DC: Published for the National Museum of Natural History by the Smithsonian Institution Press, 1982, ref to male/female facial expressions p 63, ill 32; p 146, ill 170; p 156, ill 190.
Sotheby's, "American Indian, African, and Oceanic Art," New York, April 29-30, 1983, cat no 115.
Maurer, Evan M, "The Native American Heritage: a Survey of North American Indian Art: the Art Institute of Chicago, July 16-October 30, 1977" (exhibition catalogue), Chicago: The Institute, c1977, cat no 519, 552.
Dockstader, Frederick J., "Indian Art in America : the Arts and Crafts of the North American Indian," New York : Promontory Press, 1974?, cat no 71.
Sotheby's, "American Indian, African, and Oceanic Art," New York, April 29-30, 1983, cat no 115.
Maurer, Evan M, "The Native American Heritage: a Survey of North American Indian Art: the Art Institute of Chicago, July 16-October 30, 1977" (exhibition catalogue), Chicago: The Institute, c1977, cat no 519, 552.
Dockstader, Frederick J., "Indian Art in America : the Arts and Crafts of the North American Indian," New York : Promontory Press, 1974?, cat no 71.
Inscribed: 2 white labels with red border: 1) 'BALTIMORE CAT. 16'; 2) in red ink, BMA receipt number: '3245-15'. (Cannot find reference for 'BALTIMORE CAT. 16'.)
