Figure Item Number: 3667/7 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. Nose, done in relief, has a thin bridge and large flaring nostrils. Figure has an open mouth, full of square teeth; flat jutting chin. Body is thin with slightly bent knees, and small feet. Figure has their arms stretched out in front of them, which connect to a second, human-like face. It is rectangular with oval-shaped eyes and black inlay pupils; curved incised lines across forehead and under eyes. Large flaring nostrils above wide mouth, full of square teeth; nostrils and gap between teeth are cutout. Cone-shape hollowed out behind face, along figure's chest, and into chin. Figure's feet and the bottom of the second head 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
- 3667/7
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 13.7 cm, width 4.3 cm, depth 5.6 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
- 3667/0007