Norval Morrisseau was first introduced to the “art world” through his friendship with Joseph and Esther Weinstein, whom he met in 1958. After his introduction to Selwyn Dewdney in July 1960, subtle shifts began to appear in Morrisseau’s work that, intentionally or not, may have reflected the sensibilities of the amateur anthropologist.

The forms and electric colours found in his works of the late 1950s were still present but his compositions began to lean toward the täbâtcamowin – a word that is often inadequately translated to “legends” – rather than from the category of tiso kanak (sacred stories). Among the figures that emerged during this period is the Neebeenape (Nepii-naba or Nibanaba and Nibiinaabe, pl.: Nibiinaabeg), a revered water spirit within Anishinaabe cosmology. Often understood as both guides and protectors, they occupy a vital place in Anishinaabe oral tradition and cultural knowledge.

Morrisseau became reacquainted with this painting in October 1991, when he was asked to authenticate it. At the time, he reckoned that he had painted it in 1959, a date that carries over to the Certificate of Authenticity provided by Morrisseau Art Consulting, Inc. We note that the depiction of the Neebeenape notably omits breasts, a detail that Selwyn Dewdney explicitly advised against in a 1961 letter to the artist [1]. We also note that the original owner, Walter Gilbert Dinsdale, served as John Diefenbaker’s Minister of Northern Affairs and National Resources from 1960 to 1963. It is possible that Dinsdale acquired the work during this period. We propose an expanded window of c. 1960 to 1963 for this painting.

Regardless of dating, however, this important work is undeniably visually arresting. Its saturated colours, confident linework, and rhythmic composition reveal an artist increasingly in command of his medium. There is a sense of deliberateness here, a clarity of form and movement that suggests Morrisseau was not only exploring new narrative ground but also refining the aesthetic language that would come to define his artistic practice.