An ancient Eskimo female figureAn ancient Eskimo female figureOkvik, Old Bering Sea I, c. 200 B.C.-100 A.D., St. Lawrence Island, the head with elongated straight nose framed by angular cheek bones, the eyes defined as ridged ovals, the mouth similarly delineated, the attenuated torso with deeply incised curvilinear designs, minor restoration.length 7inProvenanceAlaska on Madison Gallery, New York, NY;Daniel and Martha Albrecht collection, acquired from the aboveIllustratedHessel, Ingo, Arctic Spirit: Inuit Art from the Albrecht Collection, 2006, Douglas & McIntyre, Vancouver, p. 4, fig. 5, with the author observing: "The overall form of this female figure is typical: an extreme stylization of the torso without arms or legs; an oval head with a long narrow nose; and a simple geometric pattern, complete with short "spurs," complementing the vertical lines of the body. The rather large and rough-hewn eyes and mouth are less usual. It is generally assumed that these figures, almost always female, were dolls. It is not certain, however, if they were used as girls' toys or as aids in female fertility."