The Macroscopic World
Arctic
Permafrost tundra stretches over vast areas of Canada and Russia. Although its biodiversity is relatively low compared to other ecosystems, the Arctic has long provided a home to roaming bands of reindeer herders and other people. These inhabitants develop systems of survival that are finely attuned to the extremely inhospitable conditions of seasonal cold and dark.
About the Object
Object name: Wall hanging
Place made: Quebec, Canada
Date made: 1980
Dimensions: 123 x 151 cm
Materials & Techniques: Wool and seal skin, appliquéd
Credit line: Gift of Avrom Isaacs
ID: T2006.5.2
This hanging was made by an unknown artist in northern Quebec where, according to the donor, a small group of women made this type of hanging in 1980. The hanging depicts two hunting scenes: a polar bear hunt above, and a seal hunt below, with a dogsled team in between.
Alternative Views
Oblique
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Second Look
Macro
Macro
Microscopic Views
Description: A microscopic view at 5x magnification
Credit: Macrography Courtesy of Sandra Webster-Cook of the AGO
Microscopic Views
Description: A microscopic view at 12.5x magnification
Credit: Macrography Courtesy of Sandra Webster-Cook of the AGO
Microscopic Views
Description: A microscopic view at 20x magnification
Credit: Macrography Courtesy of Sandra Webster-Cook of the AGO
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Touchpoint View
Animation
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Slide Show
The Arctic Region
In Canada, the immense Arctic stretches across the top of the continent and is inhabited by people of different heritages including Cree, Inuit, Dene and Métis, as well as immigrants from the south. Before these people had access to manufactured goods they lived exclusively off the resources of the land. Since the Arctic tundra is situated south of the polar desert (the northernmost biome of the world) and north of the tree line, it only supports the growth of small mosses and lichens. Materials for weaving were nonexistent; instead, women were expert makers of warm, waterproof clothing from caribou and seal skins.
The Arctic Region
Image title: Seal Hunt
Description: MP-0000.597.209 Men returning from hunting expedition, dragging seals, 1927
Credit: Image Courtesy of the McCord Museum
The Arctic Region
Image title: Dog Sled
Description: MP-1984.126.156 Inuit group travelling with dogs and sled, 1920 (?)
Credit: Image Courtesy of the McCord Museum
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Video
Igloos
Watch a video clip showing an igloo at night
Credit: Video Courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada
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Image
Artist Cooperatives
In the mid 20th century, Canadian government policies had a disastrous effect on Inuit people. Starvation forced them out of their nomadic lifestyles and into towns. Cooperatives such as the Arts and Crafts Centre in Baker Lake, Nunavut, and the Kuujjuaq Cooperative in northern Quebec formed in the 1960s to help Inuit people find new ways of sustaining their families and communities. The result was an outpouring of distinctive works of art in carved soapstone, prints and textiles.
Artist Cooperatives
Image title: Kugluktuk Co-operative Limited in Kugluktuk, Nunavut
Description: The opening of the Kugluktuk Co-operative Limited in Kugluktuk, Nunavut
Credit: Image Courtesy of Arctic Co-operatives Limited
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Collection Connections
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Art hanging
ID*: T96.0059
Bag
ID*: T03.50.2
Hooked rug
ID*: T01.24.1
