Halibut hook (Naxw)
ca. 1890
Halibut—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.
Yew wood, yellow cedar, iron, cedar bark twine, and commercial cotton twine
4 5/8 x 1 3/8 in. (11.75 x 3.49 cm)
L.: 9 1/2 in.
Gift of John H. Hauberg
91.1.105
