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Masset Haida Pole Raising

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Masset Haida Pole Raising

October 2, 1982

Jim M. Hart

Canadian, Haida, born 1952

The Haida-style pole on this print depicts, from top to bottom: Raven, Frog, Sea Bear with its cub, upside-down human, Bear holding Frog in its mouth, Grizzly Bear holding Sculpin. These are not generic animals but supernatural creatures that were the crests of the original owner of the pole in Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands, in the late 19th century. This was now-famous artist Hart's first solo carving effort and he recreated the pole from fragments. The pole was ceremonially erected on October 2, 1982, behind the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, where it stands today.
Silkscreen print
15 1/2 x 13in. (39.4 x 33cm)
Gift of Simon Ottenberg
2009.5.55
Provenance: Pacific Editions auction, Victoria, 2003
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
location
Not currently on view

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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