Doll Item Number: 3654/14 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Male doll, in standing position, wearing an RCMP uniform consisting of a coat, tunic, pants, tall boots, mittens, and hat. Eyes, eyebrows, and mouth are embroidered in dark brown on a skin face; nose done in relief, with fur moustache. Coat is dark blue with a wide yellow band around the bottom opening; white fur collar, brown-grey fur trim on cuffs, and RCMP patches on the shoulders. Doll's pants match and have yellow stripes down the sides. Upper sections and vamps of boots are white fabric; soles consist of naturally coloured skin. Openings of boots are decorated with dark blue bands and braided ties, done in dark blue and yellow; leather ties around ankles, to secure boots. Woven tunic underneath jacket is white, with a blue band bordering the bottom edge. Figure is wearing naturally coloured mittens that are attached with blue and yellow braided ties; ties are decorated with fringe and loop around the doll's neck. Orange-grey fur hat matches trim on cuffs of doll's jacket.

Narrative

In the book by Eva Strickler and Anaoyok Alookee, "Inuit Dolls: Reminders of a Heritage" (Can. Stage and Arts Publtns, TO, 1988, pp.94-5) there is a very similar doll (except face) by Spence Bay artist Keerook. Apparently Keerook was the only Inuit dollmaker who had been granted permission by the RCMP to make a doll with their uniform.

Item History

What

Name
Doll
Identification Number
3654/14
Type of Item
doll
Material
animal skin, fibre, wool fibre and dye
Overall
height 43.2 cm, width 24.3 cm, depth 8.5 cm

Who

Culture
Inuit
Previous Owner
Maurice Yacowar
Received from
Maurice Yacowar (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Spence Bay, Nunavut, Canada ? or Taloyoak, Nunavut, Canada ?

When

Ownership Date
before December 4, 2023
Acquisition Date
on December 4, 2023

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
fair
Accession Number
3654/0014