100 



The decorative motive, the whale's tail, seen on (Plate 

 XXIV b, f) two specimens, is also found in Alaska, but in 

 tattooing rather than in ivory carving. 



ART. 



A discussion of Eskimo art is usually confined to a des- 

 cription of their etchings on ivory or an illustration of the little 

 figures carved from ivory. But Eskimo art is something larger 

 than this. It concerns itself not only with designs on ivory, but 

 characteristic motives in the decoration of clothing, in tattooing, 

 in fur and leather-applique work, and in basketry. The Eskimo 

 also reveal in the manufacture of tools and weapons an apprecia- 

 tion of form and outline which will compare favourably with that 

 of any of their Indian neighbours. 



WORK IN IVORY. 



The Labrador Eskimo do not etch their ivory with crude 

 realistic figures like the Alaskan Eskimo, nor do they use the 

 geometrical designs (the concentric circle, the alternate spur, 

 etc.) common from Greenland to Alaska, but confine them- 

 selves to a straight line or two accentuating the outline of the little 

 ivory figures they delight in carving. These parallel lines are 

 coloured in black or red. Dots are also used, but to imitate 

 some feature of the model, not as a design. But in the form and 

 finish of their ivory carving, the Labrador Eskimo excel the 

 other eastern tribes and more nearly approach the am.bitious 

 work of the Alaskan Eskimo. Perhaps this is due, as in Alaska, 

 to the introduction of better material for tools, as a result 

 of early contact with the whites. 



A favourite design of the Labrador Eskimo is the komatik 

 and dog-team, which is carried out with great fidelity of detail, 

 even to the seals and snow-knife forming the komatik load 

 (Plate XXV d and e). Another favourite is the hunter, seated 

 in his kayak (Plate XXV a), or surrounded by his equipment 

 (Plate XXVI), his gun (d), knife (a), cartridge-bag (f), and an 



