We have spoken before about how a garment originally designed with utility in mind has become a sculptural canvas for its creator's imagination to work upon. What began with layers of fur and skin used to create pattern pieces decorated with ivory and antler has become a show of colours, trims, beads, and designs on wool and felt, now thankfully constructed with the aid of sewing machines!

In the present lot, a kaleidoscopic array of decoration practically drips off the surface of the wool. Layered fabrics, trims, and beads grace the hems and seams, giving busy pops of colour against the creamy white wool. The amautiq as a whole carries a weight of beads upon it, in the form of handmade beaded fringe, a mock-beaded loom trim curving around the tail, and a beaded front panel covering the chest, its floral patterning matched to the beaded bands along the arms and opening of the ample hood. Further personal touches can be found as well, such as the reinforcement of some of the outer seams with a more decorative herringbone stitch and some inner seams being covered with polar fleece to soften the edges. While all decisions made in constructing this garment are likely based on the maker's skills and preferences, as well as the garment's wearability, the personal hand of the maker is evident in the care and time devoted to transforming the materials into a canvas for personal decoration.

AC