Billiken Figure Item Number: 1060/43 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved billiken type of figurine. Very small, white, sitting figure with arms and hands at sides. Eyes, eyebrows, mouth and navel delineated with black ink(?). A carved hanging loop protrudes from the figure's head.
History Of Use
The billiken figure form was adapted by Arctic carvers from earlier American figurines. They were given or sold as good luck charms and Alaskan souvenirs.
Item History
- Made in Alaska, USA ?
- Owned by Sisters of Saint Ann Museum
- Owned by B.C. Provincial Museum before September 6, 1985
- Received from B.C. Provincial Museum (Transferring institution) on September 6, 1985
What
- Name
- Billiken Figure
- Identification Number
- 1060/43
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- walrus tusk ? or ink ?
- Overall
- height 2.9 cm, width 1.0 cm, depth 0.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Inuit ?
- Previous Owner
- Sisters of Saint Ann Museum and B.C. Provincial Museum
- Received from
- B.C. Provincial Museum (Transferring institution)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Alaska, USA ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before September 6, 1985
- Acquisition Date
- on September 6, 1985
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1060/0043