This 1976 framed lithograph by Canadian Inuit artist Pitseolak Ashoona is titled “Memories of Childbirth.” The print depicts a woman in labor supported by 3 other women on the left side and the woman post-labor holding her child on the right. Pitseolak (1904-1983) did not begin working as an artist until later in life as a way to support her family after relocating to Cape Dorset on Baffin Island following her husband’s death. Her artwork can also be found in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.
Other Inuit objects that have been featured for Artifact of the Month include a dog sled model and an igloo model.
