Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Musk Ox with Young" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Paper.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked January 3, 1984.
Covered with short curly hair, the baby Musk Ox takes its first wobbly steps under the watchful eyes of its mother. Born on Alaska's windswept tundra, the newborn calf will huddle under its mother's long hair skirt for protection from the Arctic chill. As the calf grows stronger, it learns to kick and butt with the other youngsters in the herd. Through the short summer season, the Musk Oxen roam the valleys and alpine meadows of Alaska grazing on grasses and willow boughs. As the young calves age, their shaggy coats grow longer and thicker to protect them from the coming winter's frigid climates and bitter winds. Like sheep, Musk Oxen shed their coats each spring. This trait led to recent research which suggests Musk Oxen are not really oxen, nor do they have a musk odor. They are, however, closely related to sheep, goats and mountain goats. For centuries, Eskimos descriptively called Musk Oxen, Oomingmak, which means "the bearded one." High above their bearded chins, the young Musk Oxen will soon grow long, elastic horns which form a shield covering the crest of their heads. These interesting animals will form a circular fortress when threatened, their horned heads lining the outer edge. The young oxen are protected by the entire herd in the center of the ring. When attacked, the Musk Oxen fling predators into the air and, as they land, trample them. Roaming the snowy tundras of Alaska, the powerful Musk Ox is truly an amazing animal.
Image Size: 11 x 12.5 in.
Overall Size: 20 x 22 in.
Unframed.
(B08394)
Condition
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