The early 1960s in Cape Dorset saw multiple spirit images in both graphics and sculptures (see Lots 8 and 164). While some of the works referred to specific legends or deities, others were objects of pure fantasy. One of the quirkiest artists of the period was Joe Jaw (1930-1987) whose Fantasy Dog from c. 1961, formerly in the Robertson Collection is a classic example of early 1960’s Dorset sculpture [1]. Jaw’s son Salomonie was born in 1954 and was thus only eleven years old when he carved this magical Fish Spirit and Muskox! While the work is somewhat naïve in execution, it is brilliantly conceived and visually striking. The fact that this was carved by a precocious child is rather astonishing and it is no wonder that Terry Ryan (then the manager of the West Baffin co-op) chose to retain it for his own personal enjoyment.

1. Blodgett, The Robertson Collection, 1986, cat. 19; Gustavison, Northern Rock, 1999, cat. 5.