Photo Gallery

Kwakiutl-face mask (University of Colorado - Boulder Museum)

The Atlakin mask dance plays an important role in the ceremonial life of the Kwakiutl. Atlakim beings are forest spirits of the most diverse appearance. Their chief is Xamsalilala. He is the first to appear and summons the other 39 spirits, one after the other, into the ceremonial hall. This Xamsalilala mask, also shown on the dust jacket, was carved in the 1940s by the famous chief and artist Willie Seaweed (1873-1967), a Nakoaktok Kwakiutl from Blunden Harbor, located on the mainland opposite Port Hardy. Bill Holm dedicated an exhibition and a book with the. title "Smoky Top" (Vulkan) to this famous chief and artist. (27 cm, MOA, A6088)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

The Haida myth retold finds its most beautiful visual expression in this 2m- (6.6 feet) high sculpture in white cedar created by artist Bill Reid for the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. Dedication festivities for this masterpiece were held in 1980.

Bowl made of soapstone dating from the pre-Columbian period of 400-1200 A.D., found in the Fraser Valley near Aldergrove, presumed to have been the property of a Coast Salish shaman. (Lent by J. Yoshioka; 19 cm; MOA)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

A Haida canoe paddle from the 19th century. (150 cm; MOA)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

A Halibut hook made of yew wood, bent by means of a steaming technique and then hardened. The bone barb is attached by means of a cedar bark string. Collected from the Haida, but of a type used by the Makah. (16 cm, MOA)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

A Haida halibut hook adorned with the figure of a chief wearing a potlatch hat engraved with a frog. (31 cm, over 110 years old; MOA)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Rattles also belonged to the insignia of a chief. This old raven rattle has two special features: First, a human face is carved onto the upright tail feathers and, second, the tiny human figure is holding two large mountain goat horns. (35 cm; MOA; A5254)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Susan A. Point, the best-known contemporary Coast Salish female artist, engraves a silver bracelet, precision work that requires steady hands. The work platform can be moved in any direction.

This silver bracelet, depicting Raven Yel with the Sun, is attributed to an anonymous Tsimshian artist. (5 cm, MOA)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Krista Point, Susan Point's niece, is considered an excellent weaver of typically Coast Salish rugs. The loom is an improved version of the simpler looms used in earlier times.

Woman mask with lip plug and tattoos. - Bill Reid, Haida. (22 cm; MOA)
MOA = Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

«Two-Headed Serpent». Silk-screen from Susan A. Point based on a carved motif found on the handles of combs. (35 cm; March 1983)

Totem pole in Stanley Park - Vancouver BC - Canada

The Thunderbird House Post is an example of a carved house post. Such posts were used to support the huge roof beams of traditional First Nations cedar houses. - Stanley Park - Vancouver BC - Canada