Inuit Tupilaks from East Greenland

The history of Inuit tupilaks as presented mostly on Wikipedia: In the Inuit religion, especially in Greenland, a tupilak is an avenging monster fabricated by a practitioner of witchcraft or shamanism using various objects such as animal parts (bone, skin, hair, sinew, etc.) and even parts taken from the corpses of children. The creature is given life by ritualistic chants. The Inuit tupilak are then placed into the sea to seek and destroy a specific enemy. During the past 25 years there has been a substantial increase in the interest by collectors to acquire Inuit tupilaks.

The use of tupilak is considered risky, as if it was sent to destroy someone who had greater magical powers than the one who had formed it, it could be sent back to kill its maker instead, although the maker of the tupilak could escape by public confession of their deed. Because tupilaks were made in secret, in isolated places and from perishable materials, none have been preserved.

Tupilaks are a form of Greenlandic Inuit art that has existed for many centuries. Tupilaks depict spiritual creatures. Historically, tupilaks were used to cast spells on the enemies of the tupilak maker.

Early European visitors to Greenland, fascinated by the native legend, were eager to see what tupilak looked like, so the Inuit began to carve representations of them out of sperm whale teeth. During the past century, tupilak of many different shapes and sizes are carved from various materials such as narwhal, walrus tusk, wood, and caribou antler. They are an important part of Greenlandic Inuit art, and are highly prized as collectibles.

The carvers of Kulusuk (Kap Dan) are among the best.  Among the tupilaks of Kulusuk, an increasing archeological factor reveals itself; the presence of both American and European influence. The tupilak is gradually losing its evil intent. Only in rare instances will a Greenlander use his tupilak to bring disaster or misfortune to his neighbor. Today the artist is under the spell of goodness, of laughter, humor and kindness. He creates what he visions in his dreams, from what others have told him and from his own experiences with his fellow men. They still assume “unnatural forms” as did the original tupilaks.

In 1975 the CITES (the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) international agreement between governments was adopted. In this agreement, the use of sperm whale ivory for carvings was banned. During recent times, most of the tupilaks have been carved from caribou antler. Our tupilaks offered for sale have been carved by Native Inuit artists in East Greenland. The older tupilaks have been carved from sperm whale ivory.

Tribal Crafts offers for sale  Inuit tupilaks from East Greenland crafted with the FINEST DETAIL

Tupilaks are a form of Greenlandic Inuit art that has existed for many centuries. Tupilaks depict spiritual creatures. Historically, tupilaks were used to cast spells on the enemies of the tupilak maker. During recent times, tupilaks have been carved from a variety of materials such as stone, wood, ivory, and caribou antler.

Discover the fascinating world of Inuit tupilaks on our website. Appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of these unique sculptures.

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