Bowl

Argillite carvings of pipes, figures, curios, plates and platters began about 1820. Most objects were made for sale, not generally for use among the Haida. Rectangular, animal form trays, such as this one, are relatively uncommon (McNair and Hoover).

made for sale; tourist art

The dogfish is a crest figure applied to a wide range of utilitarian and ceremonial items. It is identified with a high domed forehead, downturned mouth and gill slits on either side of the mouth.

Carved argillite tray-like bowl with a bilaterally symmetrical dogfish design and a central rectangular depression. Depression has a slight ridge half way up the outward sloping wall. Either end of the tray has rounded triangular dogfish head carved in relief. The face includes interlocking triangular teeth in a down turned oval mouth, incised curved triangle lines for gills and along sloping lip. The sides have the fins detailed with ovoids and split u-forms.