Figure

Item number 3667/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Standing human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide eyes, and black inlay pupils. Incised curved lines above eyes, imitating eyebrows; three diagonal lines extending from outer sides of eyes on to cheeks. Bridge of nose made up of two rows of raised dots; nostrils are deep and flaring. Figure has a wide open mouth, filled with square teeth and two fangs; tongue carved in relief. Chin of figure juts out. Body is thin with short legs, partially bent knees, and small feet. Arms are stretched in front of body, at an angle, and connect to sides of animal-like head; space between arms is solid. Head is rectangular and has pointed ears. Black inlay eyes underneath curved lines, imitating eyebrows. Nose is same as figure's; mouth is partially open and filled with square teeth. Cone-shape hollowed out from back of animal-like head, extends up between arms of figure. 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.