This charming sculpture of a woman fetching water is by an unknown hand but almost certainly hails from Inukjuak, dating to the mid to late 1950s. The overall mass of the figure is reminiscent of the so-called “cannonball” seated women produced by early masters such as Johnny Inukpuk, Isa Smiler, and Elijassiapik, with an undeniable nod to the great Akeeaktashuk as well.

Whereas many contemporaneous depictions of women present more severe, restrained, and even, dare we say, dour expressions, this Woman Fetching Water carries a sense of contentment. Her face, softly smiling, conveys calm resolve rather than austerity. Framing this expression is a large, slightly recessed hood, its edges drawn around the face into asymmetrical points that extend outward in a broad, protective form. The hood’s angular silhouette emphasizes the calm presence of the face within, balancing strength of outline and form with warmth of character.

MBL