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The sculptural art of the Dorset
people includes numerous and varied representations of animals,
humans, and spirits. Depictions of long, narrow faces with heavy
brows, sometimes with an apparent beard or headgear, have been
noted in the past as possible portraits of Europeans. This
interpretation seems more credible when these carvings are
associated with products of mediaeval European technology found
at Dorset sites along the coasts of Baffin Island and Labrador. |
Ivory maskette
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1-500)
Hudson Strait, Arctic Canada
KbFk-7:308
Photo: Harry Foster
This classic Dorset depiction
of a face comes from an early site. It contrasts with the
European-like faces sometimes portrayed in later Dorset carvings. |
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Antler wand with a European-like face
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1000-1200)
Bathurst Island, Arctic Canada
QiLd-1:35
Photo: Harry Foster
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Wooden carving of a European-like face
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1000-1300)
Baffin Island, Arctic Canada
PgHb-1:15859
Photo: Pat Sutherland
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Wooden maskette
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1200-1400?)
Baffin Island, Arctic Canada
KdDq-9:4787
Photo: Pat Sutherland
Illustration: Hanna Kepka
This portrayal of a long face
with what appears to be headgear may represent a European. |
Wooden maskette
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1000-1200)
Bylot Island, Arctic Canada
PfFm-1:2304
Photo: Pat Sutherland
Illustration: Hanna Kepka
This broken carving of a face
with a long nose and what appears to be headgear may represent
a European. |
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