As an artist noted for his depictions of traditional daily life in his drawings and prints, Kiakshuk has a well-deserved reputation for capturing true-to-life moments in his art. Carved in the deep mottled green stone favoured by Kinngait artists in the early 1960s, Mother and Child captures a moment in time as well. The mother stands with her mouth open as if calling out, and her hand slightly raised as if gesturing in conversation with the viewer. Her hair is tied up into a bun, likely still a tempting target for young hands, were they not distracted. The young child reaches out from his mother’s amaut and over her shoulder, clearly also wanting to be involved in whatever is happening up front, obliging his mother to adjust her body posture to maintain her balance. Charming. This sculpture could have been merely an example of form and theme, a conventional standing Mother and Child, but the work has been enhanced with subtle motions and detail. The whole carving has been finished beautifully, with sleek lines throughout. The clothes have graceful curves and the faces have been gently punctuated with defined hairlines and facial features.