Figure Item Number: Na1087 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Male or generic form with oval head, flattened in profile. Incised eyes in depressions, nose in slightly higher relief, incised horizontal slit mouth with vertical lines running from nose through mouth. Handless arms, out from body, submerge into body at hips. Feetless legs, rounded to outside, flattened on interior surfaces. Horizontal carving lines on back.
History Of Use
Traditional ivory dolls are carved by fathers as toys for their daughters. Skin and other clothing is usually removable and interchangeable. Small ivory figures are also used as fertility images by childless couples to help induce pregnancy. Figures may also stand in for individuals at important festivals. A wooden human image is a central figure at ceremonials related to hunting and fishing.
Cultural Context
Probably Late Prehistoric or Early Historic (Ackerman). Possibly Late Thule (Moos).
Item History
- Made in Nunavut, Canada during 1700
- 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
- Na1087
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- walrus tusk ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and incised
- Overall
- height 8.7 cm, width 2.4 cm, depth 1.7 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
- Nunavut, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1700
- 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
- 0697/0008