Enigmatic 1970s Janie Meeko Inuit Art Soapstone Smiling Bird Carving

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Enigmatic 1970s Janie Meeko Inuit Art Soapstone Smiling Bird Carving:
$50.25

Janie MeekoSmiling BirdInuit Art Carving
This is a lovely light green argillite bird with its facing head stretched forward. Gives the impression of a bird moving forward as its swims. Also has an enigmatic \"smile\".
The attached tag is labeled “Janie Meeko”.
The carving was probably produced about 1974 -75. It carries the old style (pre 1975 uniligual Canada Eskimo Art label) on the underside, as well as a newer 1975 Canada Eskimo Art Esquimaux label which originally was on the back! (I moved it)
The “on the back” number on this label matches the tag. Inscribed C7468.Weight: 500 gms (1.1 lbs)
Dimensions: 6”l x 3.5” h x 1.75” w at broadest points (15.5 cm x 9 cm x 4.5 cm)
Condition: Excellent. Tucked away since 1980s in the back of a retired Inuit art dealer\'s gallery. Simply forgotten.
About the Artist
Disc Number:E9-2511
Date of Birth: Sept 29, 1957
Alternate Names: Meeko Meeko* Jannie Meeko* Jannie Meeko* Johnnie Meeko*Janie Meeko
Jannie’s carvings have been included in public and private exhibitions by Albers Gallery, the Vancouver Art Gallery (“Sanikiluaq, Belcher Islands: Recent Sculpture”); Newman Galleries, as well as international exhibitions.About the Community
The community of Sanikiluaq (formerly known as \"Belcher Islands\") is located at the southernmost point of Nunavut. It is 1,396 kilometres from Winnipeg “as the crow flies”.
The community has about 850 residents, many of whom are still traditional hunters providing \"country food\" (wild game such as caribou, seal, whale) to other families in the community. The islands are distinctively Arctic- no trees, with rocky cliffs tower 50 to 150 metres above the sea.
It is located \"just across the water\" from Kuujjuarapik (Great Whale River). Many families have members in each community, and move back and forth a lot. So not surprising, there is a lot of similarity in the art of the area. A special 2013 documentary “A People of the Feather “ highlights the Islands, the Inuit community and local eider ducks. The film which is about survival in a changing Arctic climate has received Canadian, American and international acclaim.
cream box in BBin CC