Originally from the Ennadai Lake area inland from Arviat, Alikaswa was considered to be the community’s best drum dancer, and travelled south periodically to perform at festivals. Alikaswa is sometimes overlooked in the pantheon of Kivalliq Region art, perhaps because his sculptures tended to be quite small and unassuming. Yet Alikaswa carved his share of larger works, and most of these have an undeniable presence as well as an air of gravitas. Mother and Child is especially impressive when viewed in the round; the massive bulging shape of the hood is a truly bold sculptural statement. Outstanding.

References: For important works by the artist see First Arts Auction, July 2021, Lot 83; Arviat: Artists of the Past Present and Future,  (Vancouver: Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, 1997), cats. 13, 29; Core Inuit (Vancouver: Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, 2002), cat. 18. See also Walker’s Auctions, May 2017, Lot 179.