gyaaGang (Model Totem Pole)

These poles were carved to be ornaments and art objects in non-Haida cultural context. Argillite carvings were first produced for trade to Europeans in the 1820's. Miniature argillite poles were first carved in the 1870's.

Argillite was purchased by John Davidson from Birks Co. in approximately 1964.

commercial art

Crests represented particular kinship groups and may depict elements of myth.

Carved argillite, miniature totem pole with a flat back. The pole is rectangular in shape with a slight taper at the top and is seated on a rectangular base. The figures from top to bottom: human head; human figure carrying staff, wearing two ringed potlatch hat and a blanket with face on each side; raven with short wings; beaver with an upturned tail, holding a stick in its paws. Inscription on base reads: ‘Robert Davidson, Haida’.