Figure Item Number: 3667/17 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide circular eyes, and black inlay pupils. Curved incised lines over eyes, imitating eyebrows; additional lines across bridge of nose, and across cheeks. Nose is done in relief with deep flaring nostrils. Figure has an open mouth, full of square teeth and large fangs; tongue carved in relief. Figure's chin is flat and angled downward; entire body is thin with small feet. Figure has their arms bent at elbows, with their hands resting on a large head; space between arms is solid, forming a small shelf. Second head is rectangular with two pointed ears along the top edge. It has semi-circular eyes with black inlay pupils; incised lines across forehead and additional lines extending diagonally from sides of eyes. The head has a wide nose, with flaring nostrils, and a large open mouth, full of square teeth. Partly hollow triangle visible on back of second head. Figure's feet and the bottom of the second head 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

What

Name
Figure
Identification Number
3667/17
Type of Item
figure
Material
whale tooth and baleen ?
Overall
height 11.2 cm, width 3.0 cm, depth 4.2 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
3667/0017