Inuit Felt Tapestry Appraisal
Category: Textiles
Description
The item is a rectangular felt tapestry depicting an Inuit scene in Northern Canada. The tapestry has a dark background, likely dark navy or black, which forms the sky and water. Vibrant orange felt is used for two large hills or mountains in the upper section. Various figures and animals are appliquéd onto the felt background using different colored felt pieces and white thread for details and outlines. Featured elements include several Inuit figures dressed in traditional parkas (blue, pink, red) engaged in activities such as fishing or hunting, a white polar bear, several dogs (white, orange-brown, grey), seals (grey, red), and white representations of icebergs or snow formations. White horizontal lines represent water or ice cracks, and small triangular shapes perhaps denote ice fragments or snowdrifts. The figures and animals are outlined with white stitching, and some also have internal details stitched in white. The overall style is graphic and somewhat naive, characteristic of mid-20th-century Inuit art in this medium. The felt appears to be in good condition with no obvious tears or significant staining, although the edges are not fully visible in the image to assess wear. The stitching appears consistent and neat, indicating skilled craftsmanship. The back of the tapestry is not visible, so manufacturing marks or signatures cannot be confirmed from the image provided. Based on the context provided, it is estimated to date from around 1960.
Appraisal Report
Based on my examination of the provided image of this Inuit felt tapestry, I can offer the following appraisal. The tapestry appears to be in very good condition, with no obvious tears, stains, or significant fading visible in the photograph. The felt's color vibrancy and the neatness of the stitching suggest careful handling over the years. The style is consistent with mid-20th century Inuit textile art from Northern Canada, including the graphic forms and appliquéd technique with white thread detailing. While the visual characteristics strongly support its authenticity and the approximate 1960 date provided by the owner, a definitive authentication would require in-person examination to assess the felt fiber type, stitching methods, and potential maker's marks or tags on the reverse, which are not visible in the image. Provenance documentation, such as purchase records or family history, would also significantly enhance authenticity verification. Market conditions for vintage Inuit textiles, particularly well-executed felt tapestries depicting traditional scenes, remain relatively strong. Demand is driven by collectors interested in Indigenous art and Canadian folk art. Comparable examples of this size and quality, although varying by artist and specific design complexity, have achieved values in the range I'm providing. The rarity of a tapestry in this condition and with this level of detail contributes positively to its value. Factors impacting the value include the condition, the quality of craftsmanship, the appeal of the subject matter, and importantly, confirmed authenticity and provenance. Without the ability to physically inspect the item or review provenance, my valuation is based solely on the strong visual evidence of the image provided.
Appraisal Value
$700-1,000