Born in 1900 near Cape Espenberg at the south entrance to Kotzebue Sound in Alaska, James Moses became known for his drawing and painting of people, places, and events that he knew about first hand. Many of his themes included shamans, Eskimo legends, and the coming of white men to Alaska. Often for an additional five dollars, a buyer could get an interpretive statement by his wife, Bessie Moses. He used a variety of media, primarily ink, watercolor, or oil-based pencil on paper or poster board. His style was realistic, and skillful shading gave a sense of depth to his work.

Moses was orphaned at a young age and raised by an uncle who lived by trapping and hunting. He had little formal education, and at age 14 began a job at the Magi...