Shaman with Two Wifes

Though Aoudla Pudlat was known primarily as a printmaker rather than an artist in his own right, he produced some significant work, of which this is a strong example, exemplifying the use of images of archaeological pieces to affirm the antiquity and depth of indigenous ritual. The objects shown are mainly famous examples of prehistoric Inuit art. The print is of special importance to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology because it depicts (on both its left and right-hand sides) an object known as the Dorset Antler wand, held in the museumÂ’s collection and currently (as of 2012) on display. This acquisition was presented by the Art Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.