Cycle of Nature/Komain Pitkohin

About this object

Narrative

The set was originally purchased by a previous owner in Toronto. In Feb. 2024 the donors purchased the set from the previous owner, in a silent auction benefit.

Iconographic meaning

The presence of (inuurodlik and spider, which Kalvak has noted is one of her father's helping spirits, suggests this print should be viewed as a composition linking the elements of nature with the spiritual powers of the angatkok.

Physical description

Stencil print of creatures connected with vines; done in horizontal orientation on off-white paper. Creatures consist of a dragonfly, butterflies, bee, spider with their cluster of eggs attached, tiny dwarves (inuurodlik) and birds; one of the dwarves is clinging to the side of the spider. Vines, some with creatures and others with leaves, converge in middle of print; small grey bird depicted where they connect. Dwarves are wearing blue parkas with brown pants and grey boots; parkas are trimmed with black and yellow. Artist signature in black ink to left of image. Title, Cycle of Nature/Komain Pitkohin, edition number, 14/55, and artist and printer names, Kalvak/M. Nigiyok, written in pencil along bottom edge of print. Holman Eskimo Co-Operative stamp blind embossed in bottom right corner; Arches France, the paper manufacturer, stamp blind embossed in bottom left corner (only visible on back of print).