Figure Item Number: 3667/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
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.
Item History
- Made in Greenland during 1960
- Owned by Stuart Buchanan Cameron before 2014
- Owned by Mairel Johnston before July 28, 2024
- Received from Mairel Johnston (Donor) on July 28, 2024
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- 3667/3
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 10.2 cm, width 4.0 cm, depth 5.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Inuit
- Previous Owner
- Stuart Buchanan Cameron and Mairel Johnston
- Received from
- Mairel Johnston (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Greenland
When
- Creation Date
- during 1960
- Ownership Date
- before 2014 and before July 28, 2024
- Acquisition Date
- on July 28, 2024
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3667/0003