Of all the great storytellers from Puvirnituq, Davidialuk and his cousin Joe Talirunili were arguably the best. Talirunili focused primarily on scenes from camp life (and, of course, his famous Migrations), while Davidialuk is best known for his depictions of Inuit folklore, stories, and legends. But Davidialuk was also a great documentarian who chronicled aspects of a lifestyle experiencing rapid change. This incredibly charming sculpture seems to be of a much more personal nature, perhaps depicting his wife as a multi-tasker, seamlessly juggling child rearing with the more mundane chores of Inuit camp life. This is an early work by the artist, exquisitely carved and lovingly detailed. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful Davidialuk carvings we have ever seen.

References: For important works by the artist see Ingo Hessel, Inuit Art: An Introduction, (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre / New York: Harry Abrams / London: British Museum Press, 1998), pl. 37 and 61; Jean Blodgett, Povungnituk, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1977), cats. 3-11., pp. 51-55; George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit, (Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), figs. 15, 129, 204, 350, 362, 363, 365-373. Two books with numerous illustrations of Davidialuk’s works are Bernard Saladin d’Anglure, La parole changée en pierre: vie et oeuvre de Davidialuk Alasuaq, artiste inuit du Québec arctique, (Québec: Ministère des affaires culturelles, 1978), and Marybelle Myers, Davidialuk 1977, (Montreal : La Federation Des Cooperatives Du Nouveau-Quebec, Canada, 1977) (late works).