Figure
MOA: University of British Columbia
3667/18
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; additional lines extend from sides of eyes, down cheeks. Nose done in relief with deep flaring nostrils. Figure has wide open mouth, full of square teeth; chin juts out. Long arms stretch out, at an angle, directly in front of body; 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.
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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, baleen
- Measurements height 11.7 cm, width 3.7 cm, depth 5.0 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 3667/0018