Figure Item Number: 3667/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Standing human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, hooded eyes, and black pupil inlay. Incised curved lines above eyes, imitating eyebrows, and extending onto forehead. Wide nose has ridges carved across bridge and deep flaring nostrils. Figure has a wide mouth filled with square teeth and two long fangs; chin juts out. Body is short with slightly bent knees, and small feet. Figure has their arms stretched in front of their body. Hands are turned so that long, sharp fingers are pointed down; thumbs point towards one another. Cone-shape hollowed out from figure's chest. Feet 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
- 3667/10
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 9.6 cm, width 5.5 cm, depth 5.7 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
- 3667/0010