Native American, Pacific Northwest, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A splendid oil lamp known as a qulliq or kudlik, skillfully hand-carved from brown-gray steatite to present a zoomorphic form resembling a ram's head. The fascinating animal exhibits a projecting snout with a partially opened mouth flanked by a pair of huge, curved horns that almost seem annular and a recessed underside which would function as a basin for holding the burning oil or blubber. Size: 3.4" L x 2.6" W x 1.8" H (8.6 cm x 6.6 cm x 4.6 cm)

Domesticated sheep were introduced to the Americas by Europeans, but wild Dall sheep have been vital to indigenous people of Alaska for hundreds of years. The Inupiat relied primarily on caribou for hides and meat, but if the herds were scarce, they would climb the steep alpine terrain to hunt sheep. The dwindling caribou population of the early 20th century led to a great dependence on Dall sheep harvests for meat, and subsistence and game hunting of these animals is still popular today.

Lamps like this one were tended by a woman in the family, who would place a cube of blubber into the concave surface, pound the blubber to press out its oil, and then create a wick from moss or grass, which was soaked in the oil and arranged in a line along the edge of the lamp. Without matches, the woman would use a bow drill or flint stones to light the lamp. The burning lamp required constant attention, especially in the enclosed space of the igloo. This was the only source of light and heat for the Inuit during the dark winter months. Today these elegant stone objects continue to be used ceremonially.

Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection

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#170987

Repair to 1 horn with some minor losses along break line. Some light nicks, abrasions, and scratches to areas. Otherwise, very nice with smooth surfaces. Collection label inscribed in recessed area.