gyaaGang (Model Totem Pole)

About this object

History of use

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.

Cultural context

commercial art

Iconographic meaning

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

Physical description

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 square base with rounded corners. The figures from top to bottom: eagle holding a salmon in its talons; wasgo holding whale in its mouth; raven with its tail feathers turned upwards, holding in its beak a plaque with a salmon on it; beaver with an upturned tail, holding a stick in its front paws. Incision in back reads: 'Carved by Rufus Moody, Skidegate Mission, Q. C. Isle. B.C.'. Under base is incised '50a'. There are three adhesive tags on the back and bottom of the base. Two read ‘10’, the other ’50-11, 900.00’.