A wonderful vintage carved soapstone Inuit sculpture, unfolding in the round and winning from every perspective. I had interpreted it as a transformation creature, but a great customer suggested that it likely represents, and I am now quite sure she is right, Sedna- -a mythological young woman who, through a series of trails, from marriage to a man, who turned out to be a bird and held her captive, to the cutting off of her fingers by her father to free her from birdman's friends as they were trying to escape-- became the mother of all sea creatures, living at the bottom of the sea and controlling the availability of seal, walrus, fish, whale, and other sea animals to Inuit hunters. And indeed, this Sedna looks world-wise and powerful and also like a stealthy bottom of the sea dweller to me, with a bit of cat-like elusiveness about her face too. Highly empathic. Love.
11 1/2" l x 3 7/8" w x 2 3/4" t - quite substantial -- and in excellent condition, no chips, cracks or other issues. Signed (incised) in syllabics on the underside; I have not managed to translate into the name of the artist.
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