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Resurgence in popularity of craft
Basket making still going strong in Sanikiluaq after introductory course offered

Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 22, 2013

SANIKILUAQ
Women in Sanikiluaq are keeping the tradition of basket making alive and well.

NNSL photo/graphic

Sarah Mickiyuk of Sanikiluaq works on her latest basket, which takes more than one month, working for a few hours per day, to complete. - photo courtesy of Isabell Sarah Mickiyuk

The hamlet has long been known for its basketry, despite a dry spell towards the end of the 20th century when production decreased significantly.

In 1997, Margaret Lawrence, a resident of the hamlet, reignited the passion for basket making by offering a two-year course to ensure women could continue the tradition.

The baskets come in various sizes, but normally have the same, circular shape. They average 20 cm in height and 20 cm in depth. The baskets are stitched with great complexity.

The colourful outside patterns range in colour and design. Small animal carvings, also made by the same artist, are then placed on top to complete the artwork.

Sarah Mickiyuk, who studied under Lawrence, has been making baskets for more than 15 years. She said it takes her a little over a month, working a few hours a day, to finish one.

"After we've picked the right grass and made sure it's not spotty, we start sewing," she said.

Basket making is a craft that had gone out of practice, but never completely disappeared, said Mickiyuk.

Mickiyuk said elders in the community never stopped making them, but the art form wasn't taught for a long time, until Lawrence took it upon herself to launch the introductory course.

Annie Emikotailuk is another resident who makes the baskets. She said she was interested in learning the craft and mostly taught herself how to do it.

"I just started making one right now," she said last week, adding new police officers in the community often purchase them.

"You just follow the pattern and design. I like it because it kills time and I can make money from it."

The baskets don't come cheap, and their price reflects how collectable they are.

Emikotailuk's baskets are featured on Northern Images' website, a retailer for Inuit art and crafts, and prices range from $650 to $950, depending on the size.

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