In Baker Lake, N.W.T., 1870-1970, a community history published by the Baker Lake Residents’ Association, Sheila Butler observed that many women in Qamani’tuaq had begun creating collars of striking intricacy (p. 159). This example, with its layered geometric motifs set against vivid stroud, reflects the flourishing moment when Baker Lake artists transformed new materials into bold expressions of local design. While we would love to attribute this unsigned example to a renowned artist, its palette even recalls early Oonark, the truth is that many women were producing extraordinary work in the 1960s and early 1970s. The design motif is reminiscent of the ornamental border designs on many of the best Qamani’tuaq textiles which serve to both enhance and enclose the central image. How fitting, then, that this collar serves essentially the same purpose by enhancing the beauty of the face that it surrounds!

MBL