Dance Paddle?
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Caption
Canadian Inuit. Dance Paddle?, 1900–1950. Wood, ivory, pigment, string (cotton?), Board: 7 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (20.0 x 3.3 cm) length of seals: 1 to 1 3/8 in. (2.5 to 3.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of J.L. Greason, 67.26.13. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 67.26.13_bw.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Dance Paddle?
Date
1900–1950
Geography
Possible place made: Alaska, United States, Possible place made: Nunavut, Canada
Medium
Wood, ivory, pigment, string (cotton?)
Classification
Dimensions
Board: 7 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (20.0 x 3.3 cm) length of seals: 1 to 1 3/8 in. (2.5 to 3.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of J.L. Greason
Accession Number
67.26.13
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
Why are three pieces of Alaskan art paired with a piece from Brazil?
Great question! The installation is by theme and use rather than country of origin.What is the theme for this case?The theme is talismans and charms. The necklaces may have been worn by a shaman or medicine man. Images of animals on the Tukano necklace from Brazil acknowledges the important relationship between humans and animals. All three pieces are made from natural materials found within these specific regions.There is a case of musical instruments from different countries nearby that keeps with the concept of themes within the exhibition.Okay, I'll check that out, thank you!You're welcome!The caption says these are carved from whale teeth, but what are they images of? (Friend and I aren't sure between whales and walruses.)
These are seal sculptures from an Eskimo or Inuit artist. Both the constraints of the raw material and their nomadic way of life in the Arctic make smallness in scale a virtue.What is a dance paddle? I think the little figurines look like fish or seals.
We are unsure of its use but based on comparison with similar objects, some believe it may be a dance paddle. An object that was carried and somehow brandished during winter ceremonies.The little figurines are seals! As for the other possible functions of an object like this, it's hard to say without more contextual information.Various indigenous cultures of the Arctic carved tools for hunting, fishing, and sewing as well as for religious ceremonies, toys, or jewelry!
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