Figure

Item number 3667/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Standing human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide eyes, and black inlay pupils. Curved incised lines over eyes and across forehead; additional diagonal lines underneath eyes. Deep circular nostrils above wide mouth and jutting chin; mouth filled with square teeth. Figure has a thin body with slightly bent knees, and small feet. They have their arms stretched out in front of them, at an angle, which connect to a human-like face; space between arms is solid, forming a small shelf. Bottom face is rectangular with black inlay pupils. Two diagonal lines underneath eyes, extending across cheeks; circular nostrils below. Mouth is wide and partially open, filled with square teeth. Cone-shape hollowed out behind face. Figure's feet and bottom of second face form the carving's base. Unsigned.

Narrative

Donated by Stuart Buchanan Cameron in loving memory of his mother Mairel Jeannie Cameron (September 10, 1896-June 22, 1976). Cameron collected this set of tupilaqs while working at a DEW line station in Greenland, during the late 1950s or 1960s.