Suli Kahn woodblock print "Eskimo dancing girls 2, 187/250 signed '77
5×7
Hello, this item is a limited edition woodblock print titled “Eskimo Dancing Girls II” by the Inuit artist Suli Kahn, signed and dated 1977. The print depicts stylized figures dancing beneath a sun motif, rendered in a simplified graphic style that reflects the visual language often seen in Inuit and northern indigenous printmaking traditions of the late twentieth century. Woodblock and stencil printmaking became widely practiced in Arctic and northern Canadian communities beginning in the mid twentieth century as part of organized print studios that encouraged artists to translate traditional storytelling and cultural imagery into graphic editions for collectors. The handwritten title, signature, date, and edition number 187/250 visible below the image indicate that this is part of a numbered limited edition print produced in 1977.
Smaller format prints and artists with more limited international recognition tend to trade primarily in the decorative and regional collector market. Based on the visible edition size, subject matter, and relatively small image size of approximately 5 by 7 inches, comparable Inuit woodblock or stencil prints typically sell in the secondary market between $120 and $350 USD depending on condition and presentation. A realistic current market value for this example would likely fall in the range of approximately $150 to $300 USD.
Hello,
I understand why the large price difference you found online raised concerns. The $30,000 to $50,000 result you saw is almost certainly tied to a different category of Inuit art, typically unique drawings, rare early impressions, or works by highly established artists such as Kenojuak Ashevak or Karoo Ashevak, whose market is significantly stronger and internationally documented. In contrast, Suli Kahn is a lesser-known artist within the broader Inuit print movement, and this work is part of a relatively large edition of 250, which directly impacts scarcity and value. The size also plays a key role, as smaller prints like this example tend to remain within an accessible collector range rather than the high-end market.
Thank you for your feedback,
Best
The reason I had Mearto appraise this is because a Google search had another print in the series "Eskimo Dancing Girls 2" linked to Mearto saying $30,000 to $50,000. I was wondering if you could clarify that for me.