UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST, GREENLAND
Tupilak, early 1970s
ivory and black inlay, 4.75 x 2 x 1.25 in (12.1 x 5.1 x 3.2 cm)
unsigned.
LOT 129
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
PRICE REALIZED: $960.00
unsigned.
LOT 129
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
PRICE REALIZED: $960.00
Further images
Originally, Greenlandic tupilaks were extremely dangerous magical objects, sometimes made from the bones of dead animals wrapped in skins, and were considered to have the power to kill. The carving...
Originally, Greenlandic
tupilaks were extremely
dangerous magical
objects, sometimes
made from the bones
of dead animals
wrapped in skins, and were considered to have the power to
kill. The carving of small tupilak “evil spirit” figures began in
East Greenland in the early 20th century, spreading to West
Greenland around 1930.
References: For a discussion of tupilak figures see Birte Haagen, Tupilaks: Magical Figures from Greenland, (Virum: Tinok, 2014); see also Bodil Kaalund, The Art of Greenland: Sculpture, Crafts, Painting (Berkeley: University of California Press), pp. 67-74.
References: For a discussion of tupilak figures see Birte Haagen, Tupilaks: Magical Figures from Greenland, (Virum: Tinok, 2014); see also Bodil Kaalund, The Art of Greenland: Sculpture, Crafts, Painting (Berkeley: University of California Press), pp. 67-74.
Provenance
Private Collection, British Columbia;Acquired form the above by the present Toronto Collection.
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