Figure

MOA: University of British Columbia

3667/11

Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Prone creature with a large head and half skeletal body. It has a long snout with wide, circular nostrils and a gaping mouth; mouth has four sharp fangs and a protruding tongue. Oval-shaped eyes are done in relief with hollowed out pupils. Right side of body has flipper-like limbs; forelimb pointed downward, hindlimb pointed backward. Left side depicts skeletal frame of flipper-like limbs; ribs and vertebrae carved in relief. Cone-shape hollowed out across base. Forelimbs and bottom of jaw 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.


  • Type of Item figure
  • Culture Inuit
  • Material whale tooth
  • Measurements height 3.8 cm, width 3.6 cm, depth 10.4 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Stuart Buchanan Cameron, Mairel Johnston
  • Received from Mairel Johnston

  • Made in Greenland

  • Creation Date during 1960
  • Ownership Date before 2014, before July 28, 2024
  • Acquisition Date on July 28, 2024

  • Item Classes carvings & sculpture
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3667/0011