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Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED GREENLANDIC ARTIST
Tupilak, possibly 1940s or 1950sstone, 3.5 x 9 x 3.25 (8.9 x 22.9 x 8.3 cm)
unsigned.LOT 77
ESTIMATE: $3,500 — $5,000
PRICE REALIZED: $3,660.00Further images
The tupilak (plural tupilek) was originally a dangerous evil spirit object produced by the bundling together of various animal materials, which when infused by the power of magical incantations could...The tupilak (plural tupilek) was originally a dangerous evil spirit object produced by the bundling together of various animal materials, which when infused by the power of magical incantations could destroy an enemy. Tupilek were made and used in secret and disposed of after use. Wooden carvings representing these spirits were carved in the 1930s or earlier. “Classic” tupilak spirits are depicted in a crawling position, while the grotesque whale tooth carvings that became popular with tourists and collectors in later decades more typically depict single or stacked demonic figures in upright positions. Bizarre in aspect, they are not usually particularly frightening. With its grotesque face and skeletal crouching animal form, this fine stone Tupilak more closely resembles early wooden examples.Provenance
A Danish Private Collection;
Bruun Rasmussen Auctions, 2014, Copenhagen;
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Ontario.
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