Carved tupilaq (tupilak). Human-like figure with a cone-shaped head, wide circular eyes, and black inlay pupils. Curved incised lines over eyes, imitating eyebrows; additional lines across bridge of nose, and across cheeks. Nose is done in relief with deep flaring nostrils. Figure has an open mouth, full of square teeth and large fangs; tongue carved in relief. Figure's chin is flat and angled downward; entire body is thin with small feet. Figure has their arms bent at elbows, with their hands resting on a large head; space between arms is solid, forming a small shelf. Second head is rectangular with two pointed ears along the top edge. It has semi-circular eyes with black inlay pupils; incised lines across forehead and additional lines extending diagonally from sides of eyes. The head has a wide nose, with flaring nostrils, and a large open mouth, full of square teeth. Partly hollow triangle visible on back of second head. Figure's feet and the bottom of the second head 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.

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• Type of Item figure
• Culture Inuit
• Material whale tooth, baleen
• Measurements height 11.2 cm, width 3.0 cm, depth 4.2 cm (overall)

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

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• Made in Greenland

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

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• Item Classes carvings & sculpture
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3667/0017