Figure Item Number: Na1102 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Figure of female form, flattened in cross-section with rectangle above featureless oval head. Carved diamond-shaped channel outlining slightly bulbous abdomen, large flat breasts, and legs truncated above knee. Back side is slightly concave and very porous. Rasp-like marks on side of one leg.
History Of Use
This style of figure derives from Dorset and Thule cultures. Historic wooden carvings, dating from the 19th century, from Western Greenland are very similar (Meldgaard plate 44). The early significance of these female figures has not been retained, but may have had a similar function to fertility figures found in other areas.
Item History
- Made in Greenland between 1700 and 1900
- Owned by Marianne Koerner and Walter C. Koerner before January 8, 1981
- Received from Marianne Koerner (Donor) and Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on January 8, 1981
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- Na1102
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- whale bone
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved
- Overall
- height 9.9 cm, width 4.4 cm, depth 1.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Inuit
- Previous Owner
- Marianne Koerner and Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Marianne Koerner (Donor) and Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Greenland
When
- Creation Date
- between 1700 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before January 8, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on January 8, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 48
- Accession Number
- 0697/0023