Figure Item Number: 3667/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Hunched human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide circular eyes, and black inlay pupils. Curved incised lines over eyes, imitating eyebrows; long additional line extends from outer sides of eyes, down cheeks. Nose done in relief with deep flaring nostrils. Figure has open mouth, full of square teeth; chin juts out. Arms stretch out, at an angle, directly in front of body; hands have finely carved fingers with sharp tips. Cone-shape hollowed out from figure's chest. Bent legs with thin, round feet form 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
- 3667/6
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 11.5 cm, width 3.6 cm, depth 5.3 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
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3667/0006