Ullulaq is best-known for his carvings of hunters and fishers, shamans, and spirits, but some of his most engaging sculptures are lively depictions of women at work, often accompanied by wailing children. For a sculpture by Ullulaq that is truly similar both in style and in spirit to this one, Mother Killing Fish from 1990, see Ingo Hessel, Inuit Art: An Introduction, pl. 93, p. 116. In this appealing work, Ullulaq created one of his trademark comical/angst-filled faces, contorting it in an almost animal-like grimace, to perhaps convey the mother’s exasperation – or is it fear? It’s quite powerful stuff. The woman’s pail and ulu were likely crafted by Ullulaq himself; the artist enjoyed making dolls and crafts as a boy [1]. Another unusual feature of this zany and strangely compelling sculpture is Ullulaq’s treatment of the mother’s legs and feet. We don’t recall seeing this before in his work and wonder whether it might be a nod to Ullulaq’s nephew Karoo Ashevak.

1. See Wight, Art & Expression of the Netsilik, 2000, p. 171.

References: For a slightly different take on a similar subject by the artist see Ingo Hessel, Inuit Art: An Introduction, (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre / New York: Harry Abrams / London: British Museum Press, 1998), pl. 93, p. 116. For a discussion of the artist and his work as well as numerous illustrated examples see Darlene Coward Wight, Art & Expression of the Netsilik, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2000), pp. 152-171; cat. 159 (p. 163) is especially close in style to our example.