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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1062105
FOR SALE
£1,295
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Inuit Tupilak Whale Vertebrae Shamanic Statue,c1850
Curious Antiques
for sale €1,515     $1,645
£1,295

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
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Id #SA1062105
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Inuit Tupilak Whale Vertebrae Shamanic Statue,c1850

19th century
For Sale by Curious Antiques
Description

Rare and interesting mid 19th century Inuit carved whale vertebrae statue,c1850. Most likely from Greenland it depicts a mythical creature and given its form appears to be a Tupilak Shamanic piece. A tupilak spirit could be called upon by a Shaman to help against a foe when a figure is secretly made from animal bones. The carving is excellent with the creature following the form of the vertebrae with outstretched arms/wings. The bone has aged well with great colour/patina. Overall condition is good with no issues. Felt has been applied to the base to enable it to be displayed on furniture without scratching the surface. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please note I will need to obtain CITES certification to ship the item overseas.

Size: 14cm tall x 30cm wide x 15cm deep, weight 0.4kg.

Physical Dimensions
Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Declaration

Curious Antiques has dated this Inuit Whale Bone Tupilak to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1062105
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Rare and interesting mid 19th century Inuit carved whale vertebrae statue,c1850.
“
Most likely from Greenland it depicts a mythical creature and given its form appears to be a Tupilak Shamanic piece.
Curious Antiques

A tupilak spirit could be called upon by a Shaman to help against a foe when a figure is secretly made from animal bones. The carving is excellent with the creature following the form of the vertebrae with outstretched arms/wings. The bone has aged well with great colour/patina. Overall condition is good with no issues. Felt has been applied to the base to enable it to be displayed on furniture without scratching the surface. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please note I will need to obtain CITES certification to ship the item overseas.

Size: 14cm tall x 30cm wide x 15cm deep, weight 0.4kg.

Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Inuit Whale Bone Tupilak to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1062105
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface.
1 / 14
Archive I A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface.

Inuit Tupilak Whale Vertebrae Shamanic Statue,c1850

Archive II A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View II
Archive III A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View III
Archive IV A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View IV
Archive V A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View V
Archive VI A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View VI
Archive VII A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View VII
Archive VIII A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View VIII
Archive IX A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View IX
Archive X A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View X
Archive XI A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View XI
Archive XII A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View XII
Archive XIII A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View XIII
Archive XIV A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View

Curious Antiques
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 140
Items Sold 369
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
140
Sold
369
A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface.
Inuit Tupilak Whale Vertebrae Shamanic Statue,c1850
Ref: SA1062105
A carved whale vertebra figure with extended side limbs, stylized facial features, and a textured bone surface.
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

A tupilak is a carved figure originating in Greenlandic Inuit tradition, historically crafted to represent a spirit entity associated with shamanic practices.

Historically, tupilaks were carved using organic Arctic materials such as whale vertebrae, walrus ivory, caribou antler, or driftwood.

Authentic period pieces display natural surface patination, subtle age-related wear, hand-chiseled tooling marks, and characteristic bone marrow structures.

These sculptural objects function well displayed on a dark wood bookshelf, placed within a cabinet of curiosities, or highlighted on a minimalist mantelpiece.

Dust gently using a soft, dry brush, avoid moisture or liquid cleaners, and keep the object in a climate-controlled room away from direct heat or sunlight.
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