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Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Necklace and Artist-made Containing Pouch, c. mid-1970sthe necklace: antler, stone, metal, and black inlay, chain, total length: 20.5 in (52.1 cm) / pendant: 4.5 x 3 x 0.25 in (11.4 x 7.6 x 0.6 cm) / the pouch: duffle, cotton fabric, cotton thread, and stone, 13.5 x 5.25 x 0.5 in (34.3 x 13.3 x 1.3 cm)
each with WBEC chop;
each unsigned.Lot 170
ESTIMATE: $1,200 — $1,800
PRICE REALIZED: $1,920.00Further images
The 1970s marked a pivotal period of innovation at the Kinngait Studios; lithography was introduced, as was acrylic painting and jewelry-making through experimental workshops. While the jewelry workshop in particular...The 1970s marked a pivotal period of innovation at the Kinngait Studios; lithography was introduced, as was acrylic painting and jewelry-making through experimental workshops. While the jewelry workshop in particular did not survive the test of time and market economics, extraordinary creations such as this one were made during this seldom-mentioned magic moment.
In this exquisite necklace and pouch, metal is mixed with stone and antler to create an intricate and charming wearable work of art. A tattooed face of green serpentine stone presents as its central emblem, flanked by lovely birds — imagery echoed in the delightful pouch. We hope that future research will uncover the identity of this artist.
References: For more images of life in the jewelry studios, see Leslie Boyd Ryan, Cape Dorset Prints: A Retrospective (USA: Pomegranate, 2007), p. 116 for photos of Eyuka Pingwartok working in the studio and Seema Adla modeling a necklace designed and made there.
Provenance
Private Collection, Winnipeg, MB.
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