Figure Item Number: 3667/15 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Standing human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide hooded eyes, and black inlay pupils. Rows of curved lines overtop eyes, extending up onto forehead. Nose done in relief with deep flaring nostrils. Figure has a wide partially open mouth, filled with square teeth; chin juts out. Body has a long torso and short legs, with feet angled backwards; arms stretched and partially curved in front of body. Second head extends from front of figure. Head is square-shaped and has pointed ears. Black inlay eyes underneath long curved lines, imitating eyebrows. Wide nose done in relief, with flaring nostrils. Head has a partially open, oval-shaped mouth, filled with square teeth. Hollow cone shape extends from centre of chest, through second head. Figure's feet and bottom of second head form base of carving. Carving is 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
- 3667/15
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 12.6 cm, width 3.4 cm, depth 8.6 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
- 3667/0015