Canoe prow figure

Dateca. 1870

Label TextLarge oceangoing canoes were the technological foundation of Haida life. They connected the island nation of Haida Gwaii with its neighbors, provided access to the wealth of the ocean, and allowed for the transport of goods and supplies in the important web of intercultural trade. A family would commission a highly trained specialist to burn, carve, and steam a cedar log up to sixty feet in length to create a canoe that was very effective in unpredictable seas, and which also served as an elegant sculpture bearing the paintings or carvings associated with family history. This bear head, which was once attached to the prow of a canoe, identified and protected its occupants.

Object number83.227

ProvenanceB.A. Whelan {collected in 1895}; Lt. G. T. Emmons, until 1932; Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado, 1932-1960; Carlebach Gallery, New Work, New York, 1961. John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1961-1983; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington

Exhibition HistoryBellingham, Washington, Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Arts of A Vanished Era, June 12 - October 31, 1968Published ReferencesWhatcom Museum of History and Art, Arts of a Vanished Era, Bellingham, Washington, p.34, 1964.

Credit LineGift of John H. Hauberg

Dimensions12 3/4 x 10 x 19 1/2 in. (32.39 x 25.4 x 49.53 cm)

MediumRed cedar and paint