Masset Haida Pole Raising
October 2, 1982
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 13 in. (39.4 x 33 cm)
Gift of Simon Ottenberg
2009.5.55
Provenance: Pacific Editions auction, Victoria, 2003
Photo: Elizabeth Mann