Halibut hook (Naxw)
Dateca. 1890
Label TextHalibut—giant flatfish that can weigh one hundred pounds or more—were traditionally caught from cedar canoes using special barbed hooks. Fishermen might use imagery that references the help of the shaman. This one represents a human figure with animal- like feet biting an octopus tenacle. The octopus appears frequently on shaman charms and was considered to be a supernaturally powerful being.
Object number91.1.105
Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 90Credit LineGift of John H. Hauberg
Dimensions4 5/8 x 1 3/8 in. (11.75 x 3.49 cm)
L.: 9 1/2 in.
MediumYew wood, yellow cedar, iron, cedar bark twine, and commercial cotton twine
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw
early 20th century
Object number: 91.1.5
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