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Inuit Eskimo Life: An 1812 Moravian Missionary's Account from the Labrador Coast

About the Item

This original hand-colored engraving for sale is a historical print, depicting two indigenous individuals, likely Inuit, referred to in the print as "Esquimaux Indians of the coast of Labrador." The scene suggests a representation from the early 19th century, communicated by a Moravian Missionary, which indicates it was likely used to document the people and culture encountered by missionaries in that region. The individuals are dressed in traditional clothing suitable for cold climates, which may include fur-lined parkas. One of them is holding a spear, suggesting hunting as part of their lifestyle. Additionally, there are two small figures of an animal and a child, contributing to the narrative of the scene. The print also includes specific publishing information, stating that it was published in London, as per the Act directs, on October 17, 1812, by G. Jones. Such prints were common in the period for educational and reporting purposes, providing visual documentation of indigenous peoples to audiences unfamiliar with them. The Inuit are indigenous peoples who inhabit the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. In Labrador, which is part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Inuit have a distinct history and culture. Historically, the Inuit in Labrador have been known as the Labrador Inuit. They traditionally lived in coastal areas, where they engaged in subsistence hunting and fishing. Their survival relied heavily on the hunting of sea mammals such as seals, whales, and walruses, as well as fishing and caribou hunting. They are also known for their skill in navigating and surviving the extreme conditions of the Arctic using tools and techniques passed down through generations. The Labrador Inuit have unique cultural practices, including the construction of igloos, the crafting of kayaks and umiaks (larger open boats), and the creation of intricate clothing designed to protect against the harsh Arctic climate. Their social structure was traditionally organized around families and extended kinship networks. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Moravian missionaries from Germany established missions along the coast of Labrador to convert the Inuit to Christianity. The missionaries also played a role in documenting the language and culture of the Inuit, as well as providing education and medical care. Today, the Labrador Inuit are represented politically by the Nunatsiavut Government, which is an autonomous Inuit region established in 2005 through the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. This agreement provided the Labrador Inuit with self-government in certain areas and ownership of lands known as Nunatsiavut ("Our Beautiful Land"). The Labrador Inuit maintain a strong cultural identity, with efforts to preserve their language (Inuttitut, a dialect of Inuktitut), traditions, and heritage, while also adapting to contemporary challenges and opportunities. The print is loosely attached to a decorative and protective mounting board.

Dimensions:

Height: 10.63 in (27 cm)Width: 8.27 in (21 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper,Engraved

Period:

1810-1819

Date of Manufacture:

1812

Condition:

Good. Detailed impression on aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue. Handcolored in dark shades, but overall a very decorative and rare object. Study the image carefully.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: BG-13597-691stDibs: LU3054337935402

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