Sanikiluaq, Nunavut is a small Inuit community on the Belcher Islands, a cluster of islands hugged by the Hudson Bay. The islands have a unique landscape crafted over 200 million years from resilient rock. But their beautiful baskets, on the other hand, are created by the hands of the Inuit women who live there.
Embraced by Inuit for many generations, Sanikiluaq Baskets are crafted from basket weave grass along the shores of the community. These baskets are uniquely from Sanikiluaq, and endure the spirit of Inuit and their culture.
However, the 1950s marked a significant era of loss for Inuit across Nunavut, which was formally part of the Northwest Territories. Although the specifics varied among communities.
For the Inuit of Sanikiluaq, the knowledge of creating purposeful, attractive, and distinctive baskets was lost in part due to the introduction of a capitalist economy and global trade of Inuit goods assisted by the Hudson Bay Company. While the world market craved Inuit carvings, the community responded with beautiful soapstone goods. During this time, the Inuit community collectively experienced the loss of culture, language, and tradition.
In 1996, a fair-sized group of about 20 basket makers from the municipality of Sanikiluaq undertook the initiative to revive a craft that had been lost for nearly half a century. Sarah Appaqaq, an Inuk born and raised in Sanikiluaq, had a suggestion to spend the winter collecting grass with the goal of creating baskets as their ancestors once did.
Lacking specific knowledge but with plenty of time on their hands, the group of women faced an unexpected opportunity. A large shipment containing commercial sewing machines never made it to the Arctic in time, leaving the machines in transit frozen solid and in need of repair. Typically, during these extended months, the women would engage in sewing eider down parkas.
But not this winter.
The women talked and discussed, intricately mapping out the foundations of basketry and basket weaving Indigenous techniques. They then put their hands to the test. Hours turned into days and weeks as they worked. The initial baskets were unassuming, lacking defined shapes and featuring loose weaves.
However, gradually, they transformed into exquisite cultural vessels. Beyond their cultural significance, the baskets proved to carry economic importance for the community. In the mid-20th century, these baskets were valued at around five dollars, but today, a large basket can sell for up to $1,500. Sanikiluaq baskets are now recognized in the realm of high art globally. And with good reason. Oh, how incredibly beautiful they are!
The seagrass (ivigak) makes a perfect material for basket weaving due to its durability. Ideally, the grass is picked in springtime for its robust properties. The yellowish blades of seagrass are coiled into a tightly woven shape. Often, colourful geometric shapes are added. The women also obtain small soapstone sculptures from local carvers within the community to adorn the top of the basket. Sculptures such as seals, birds, and northern wildlife are common.
Presently, there is a strong appetite for Sanikiluaq baskets, making them a rare occurrence in Canadian galleries and shops due to their limited availability. However, you can reliably obtain the latest additions to the Canadian art world at the local co-op in Sanikiluaq.
And while you're there, why not grab some groceries for supper as well!
