Figure Item Number: Na1089 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Male or generic form with handless arms out from sides in oval shape. Oval face with nose in higher relief and incised hair-like lines on top of head. Legs with flat interior sides, curved in profile. Feet extend out to front. Vertical crease along 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

Possibly Late Thule (Moos).