epee THE INUIT SEA GODDESS , adda Swinton A Thesis in : - The Department of ‘i Art History Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for ‘the degree of Master of Arts at Concordia University Montréal, Québec June 1985 © Nelda Swinton, 1985™~S ABSTRACT \ The Inuit Sea Goddess 7 Nelda Swinton This thesis reviews the Inuit myth of the se: .goddess, Sedngp and ang‘lyzes contemporary Inuit artists’ t1lustrations of this sea spirit who at one time created a powerful impact on the Inuit's way of life. The Introduction discusses the inbortant ethnographic contributions as-they relate to Inuit material culture. Furthermore, there is '@ review of various writings where there was recognition of the imagistic values of certain Inuit "artifacts." ' Chapter one restates an historical development of Inuit art, gating back to the Dorset culture up to the present period. The various forms of the myth of the sea goddess are listed, followed by a discussion of the visual illustrations of this sea spirit in accordance with each individual Inuit artist's narrative and stylistic interpretation. Chapter two reviews the various traditional religious beliefs of the Inuit as they related to the cult of the sea goddess. 7 The conclusion points to the fact that the once oral myth of the sea goddess has been altered into a visual illustration, which is’ a consequence of a number of cultural changes., ‘ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: , . a: First of all,.I would like to thank the Montreal Musqum * » of Fine Arts who orginallly made it possible for me to commence my research for The Inuit Sea Goddess. “I would Like also to shank Laurier Lacroix for his suggestions and understanding. As well, Dorothy Carruther's patience was greatly appreciated along with hef excellent dexterity at the word processor. Lastly, I would like to thank my father, George, who encouraged me to work and think harder and who helped me to see and understand the art of the “atnuit. ' iv