Figure Item Number: 3667/4 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; figure curves to the side. Incised curved lines over eyes, imitating eyebrows; three diagonal lines extend onto cheeks from outer sides of eyes. Nose is short with deep and flaring nostrils; raised diamond extends from underneath nostrils to top of mouth. Two large fangs protrude from bottom of head, with square teeth in between; no lower jaw. Entire body is thin with slightly bent knees, and small feet. Figure has their arms outstretched and bent at elbows, with their hands curving around the forehead of an hour-glass shaped head; space between arms is solid, forming a small shelf. Face has oval-shaped eyes with black inlay pupils. Incised curved lines overtop eyes, imitating eyebrows; two diagonal lines extend from outer side of eyes. Nose has wide and flaring nostrils; raised diamond, with border, extends from underneath nostrils. Large fangs protrude from bottom corners of head, with square teeth in between. Small cone-shape hollowed in bottom centre of shelf, formed between arms. Figure's feet and the head's fangs 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
- 3667/4
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 9.1 cm, width 4.5 cm, depth 4.9 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
- 3667/0004