#36 • Ethel Washington Inupiaq Mother & Child Dolls

Part of December 2025 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $1,300.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

Two important dolls of the "mother and child" theme by "The Mother of Eskimo Doll Making" herself, Iñupiaq artist Ethel Washington (1889-1967). This example of a mother with infant child is constructed of natural furs to include fox, beaver, caribou, and seal; the faces carved and painted wood, a birch bark berry basket, and a berry scoop present in her hands. Accompanied by a smaller, independent doll of a young female child, also constructed from a myriad of furs, including caribou, rabbit (or squirrel), and fox. The larger example measures approximately 7" x 12" tall.