Inuit Art

Before Europeans
Inuktitut Geography Resources

After Europeans: 1800-present

Missionaries and trading
Government involvement 1. 1900 law enforcement
2. 1950s forced settlements and welfare
Contemporary problems in Inuit communities

Pre-1800 Inuit Art Dorset

Sculpture Materials: ivory, bone, antler, and stone Possible uses as part of a shamans kit:
1. Attract and influence spirits

2. Travel to other worlds

3. Foretell the future 4. Heal the sick

Floating or Flying Bear c.1-600, ivory

Decorated container or rattle c. 600-1300, ivory

Pre-1800 Inuit Art Thule

Materials: mostly ivory Possible Uses:
1. Decoration on hunting/working implements 2. Adornment 3. Probably some spiritual meaning as well - unknown

Handle, c.1100-1700, ivory

Bird and Bird-Women figurines, c. 1100-1700, ivory

Post-1800 Inuit Art Major Changes

Koviak, Cribbage Board, c.1945

Winter Camp Scene, c.1890

Josephee Angnako Man in a Rocking Chair

c.1930

 Changes post-1800:
Display method Size Position Materials Stylization Scenes Use