Lot 79
PITALOOSIE SAILA, R.C.A. (1942-) f., KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Brooch: Owl Standing on the Moon, 1974-75
silver and feathers, 7.5 x 3.75 x .75 in (19.1 x 9.5 x 1.9 cm)
unsigned.
Estimate: $800— $1,200
Provenance
An Inuit art gallery, Montreal;
Acquired from the above by the Collection of Dr. George and Mrs. Joanne MacDonald, Cantley, Quebec, 1976;
Estate of Dr. George Macdonald.
Pitaloosie was already a well-known graphic artist when a jewellery program was introduced in Cape Dorset. She immediately applied her talent to designing for this new medium, which is evidenced by this lovely brooch. The overall composition is masterful; the fine, crisp surface detailing on the owl itself is beautifully balanced by the soft texture of the feathers in this delightful work.
Reference: For three other examples of contemporaneous silver jewellery by Cape Dorset artists see Canadian Eskimo Arts Council, Crafts from Arctic Canada (Ottawa: CEAC, 1974), p. 58.