Sedna, Inuit Mother of the Sea, gouache on paper, 18” x 12”, $525
Delivered matted & ready for full framing, Matted size 22” x 16” - free shipping

Sedna’s tale encompasses sacrifice, transformation, and metamorphosis.

Her story reflects the tough realities faced by her people—a harsh environment where extreme cold prevents vegetable growth, trees are scarce, and food sources primarily come from animals.

In most versions, her story begins with her refusal to marry any of the suitors her father offers. In some accounts, her father is deceived by a suitor who misrepresents himself. In others, Sedna makes the choice and then becomes dissatisfied with what her husband offers, prompting her father to rescue her after learning of her unhappiness.

But the story always ends with her metamorphosis occurring after being rescued by her father. Her bird or dog-spirit husband brews up a big storm that threatens to sink their kayak. Her father, in fear and blaming Sedna, throws her overboard and chops off her fingers as she clings to the boat. Her severed fingers transform into the first sea mammals, crucial for the people's survival.

She sinks to the bottom of the sea where she become, Sedna, Mother of the Sea, providing abundance for the people and requiring their care of her and the sea in return.