Inuit Alaskan Eskimo Doll in Rabbit Fur Parka
Folk art doll / Textile sculpture • Alaskan Indigenous Artisan or Commercial Souvenir Workshop (e.g., Arctic Gift Shop or Alaska Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative)
Style & Movement
Indigenous Alaskan Folk Art / Ethno-cultural handicraft
Medium & Technique
Hand-stitched faux or real fur (likely rabbit), composition or molded plastic head/hands, leather/suede ties, and hand-painted facial features.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1960s–1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-12 inches in height; vertical figural format.
Subject Description
A representation of an Inuit child wearing a traditional hooded parka (amauti) with fur trim. The figure features a reddish-brown complexion and stylized painted features reflecting Arctic Indigenous portraiture found in the regional tourist trade.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age and handling.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir in Alaska; presence of a partial informational tag suggests it was part of a commercial 'Alaska Collection' series.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-century Alaskan tourist market which sought to commodify indigenous culture through 'airport art.' While often made by local artisans, these dolls bridge the gap between traditional craft and commercial souvenir production.
Notable Features
Includes a partial paper tags mentioning 'Alaska' and 'hand-made,' which is a key indicator for collectors of regional Americana and Indigenous handicrafts.
Condition Issues
Significant matted fur; loose threads and frayed leather ties; potential deterioration of the inner stuffing; slight paint loss on facial features; dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Gently vacuum with a soft brush and mesh screen; store in a pH-neutral, acid-free box; avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the fur and pigmentation.