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Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED GREENLANDIC ARTIST
Two Standing Figures on Base, c. 1940s or 1950scarved wood, and paint, 4.75 x 5.75 x 2 in (12.1 x 14.6 x 5.1 cm)
unsignedLOT 78
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
PRICE REALIZED: $427.00Further images
These charming doll-like figures are painted to illustrate traditional West Greenlandic festive clothing, in the fashion adopted around 1920. The man’s outfit (a white anorak, black trousers, and fancy kamiks)...These charming doll-like figures are painted to illustrate traditional West Greenlandic festive clothing, in the fashion adopted around 1920. The man’s outfit (a white anorak, black trousers, and fancy kamiks) is called qaqortumaartoq. The woman’s festive clothing is known as arnatoortoq and is considerably more elaborate, featuring an anorak with spectacular beaded collar and wrists, decorated short pants, and long kamiks with beautifully designed fronts. The woman’s hair is arranged in the traditional topknot style. This work exemplifies Greenlandic folk art at its finest.Provenance
Collected by a Canadian federal government administrator active in the Eastern Arctic in the 1940s and 1950s;
by descent in the family.