Figure Item Number: 3667/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Standing human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide eyes, and black inlay pupils. Incised curved lines overtop eyes; three diagonal lines extend onto cheeks from sides. Ridged nose with deep and flaring nostrils above a wide open mouth; mouth is filled with square teeth, large fangs, and a tongue carved in relief. Figure's chin juts out at an angle. Entire body is thin with slightly bent knees and small feet; arms carved in relief, curving around back of body. Protruding from the figure's waist is an animal-like head. Face is tapered with black inlay pupils. Identical oval 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. 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.
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
- 3667/5
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale tooth and baleen ?
- Overall
- height 12.6 cm, width 4.7 cm, depth 4.6 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
- 3667/0005