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Sculptural Art

Helluland Archaeology Project Background Recent Finds Spun Cordage Sculptural Art Other Artifacts Further Questions Suggested Reading

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 -Photo: Harry Foster
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.
Antler Wand -Photo: Harry Foster Antler wand with a European-like face
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1000-1200)
Bathurst Island, Arctic Canada
QiLd-1:35
Photo: Harry Foster


Wooden Carving -Photo: Pat Sutherland Wooden carving of a European-like face
Dorset culture
(circa A.D. 1000-1300)
Baffin Island, Arctic Canada
PgHb-1:15859
Photo: Pat Sutherland


Wooden Maskette -Photo: Pat SutherlandWooden Maskette -Illustration: Hanna Kepka
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 -Photo: Pat SutherlandWooden Maskette -Illustration: Hanna Kepka
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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