[Inuit] Two 1940S Hand-Colored Photos Of "Cogmollok (Copper) Eskimos" In The Canadian Arctic Unknown Photographer ; Old Wikiuk Of The Cogmollok (Copper) Eskimos" [As Subject] British Columbia/ N&W America,Film & Photography,Travel & Exploration

The visible material culture in these images (a 1940's-style peaked cap, bone snow goggles / "wooden sunglasses", a tobacco tin and the type of photographic process used) all suggest a circa 1940s photo, taken perhaps, to commemorate or record a visit to an Inuit hunting camp by a Medical Doctor, a Hudson's Bay Agent or other short term visitor. Our suggestion is partly based on the robustness of the white man's clothing, which does not appear capable of surviving a single Arctic night in the wild, to be sure. The verso of one image reads "Old Wikiuk of the Cogmollok (Copper) Eskimos - he is at present living in the area of Coppermine. Note the wooden sunglasses. The cigarette, I gave to him for taking his picture." Two hand-colored gelatin silver photographs, both measuring 5.75 x 7.75 inches wide and loosely mounted into hinged archival mats, both measuring 11 x 14 inches wide. Both images are modestly toned with some creasing evident, mostly near edges, light soil and some excess hand-coloring marks near white borders and on versos. Mats are Fine. A thought-provoking pair of Arctic images.