Early Masters: Inuit Sculpture 1949-1955

Darlene Coward Wight

The period 1949 to 1955 represents an early phase of what has come to be known as "Inuit art". Buying for southern markets on an ongoing basis began in Inukjuak in 1949, extended to Puvirnituq in 1950, and Cape Dorset in 1951. Purchase of carvings gradually spread to other communities, but the initial three remained prevalent until 1955. Carvers in this early period did not usually sign their pieces and the "Igloo tag" had not yet been developed.

This publication is the culmination of a singular journey that is both theoretical and physical. Commited to finally attributing authorship to these early works, Darlene Coward Wight developed a unique data base and traveled to these isolated communities to interview the few original artists who are still alive, as well as family members of those who are not. An invaluable resource for collectors and researchers alike, this generously illustrated book features never before published biographical information about the "early masters" and demonstrates unique stylistic characteristics of their work to aid in future identifications.