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.

commercial art

Crests represented particular kinship groups and may depict elements of myth. Figure of woman weeping may represent 'Weeping Woman' or 'Volcano Woman'.

Carved argillite, miniature totem pole with flat back. The pole is rectangular in shape with a slight taper at the top and is seated on a U-shaped base with rounded corners. The figures from top to bottom: eagle, raven with the head of a frog in its mouth, volcano woman holding box between feet that has the faint image of a face. The woman is weeping with frogs coming from the tears. Back of eagle is bent forward. Back is incised with "H. Young" and "WSS". There are three adhesive tags on the back and bottom of the base.