Figure

Item number 3667/14 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. Two diamonds, done in relief, in between eyes and incised curved lines overtop; two diagonal lines extend onto cheeks from outer sides of eyes. Nose is short and wide, with deep and flaring nostrils. Figure has a wide open mouth with a jutting chin; mouth is filled with square teeth, large fangs, and a tongue carved in relief. Entire body is thin with slightly bent knees, small feet, and curved arms extended in front of body. Protruding from the figure's waist is an animal-like head. Face is tapered with inset black inlay pupils. Identical diamond and linear designs around eyes; nostrils are circle cutouts. Semi-circular protrusions on either side of face extend into large fangs, with square teeth in between. Oval-shaped hollow through centre of animal head. Figure's feet and the creature'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.