Basket by Aemiko Kavik (Sanakiluaq) The Government of Canada recognized the potential economic benefit of Inuit art to the isolated Arctic communities, and actively encouraged the development and promotion of Inuit sculpture, pottery, carving and painting. While figures of animals and hunters, family scenes, as well as mythological imagery became popular Inuit artists expanded their subject matter beyond these traditional themes and moved into more contemporary subjects. Since the early 1950s, when Inuit art still had a traditional look, most Inuit artists have adopted a stylistic approach deeply rooted in naturalism. Their works often appear more refined, especially over the past decade or so, when many artists have developed a preference for highly polished sculpture. By the 1960s, co-operatives were set up in most Inuit communities, and the Inuit art market began to flourish. This magnificent basket measures 2 inches in height by 3.25 inches in diameter.