Figure

MOA: University of British Columbia

3667/6

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; long additional line extends from outer sides of eyes, down cheeks. Nose done in relief with deep flaring nostrils. Figure has open mouth, full of square teeth; chin juts out. Arms stretch out, at an angle, directly in front of body; hands have 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.

  • 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 11.5 cm, width 3.6 cm, depth 5.3 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 fair
  • Accession Number 3667/0006