ǧúm̓a (Paddle) Play

Canoe paddles like this were probably made to be sold to non-Indigenous collectors. Producing collectible objects became a way for carvers and painters to continue their traditions during a time of great cultural change.

Attributed to Daniel Houstie, a Heiltsuk artist whose replicas of traditional objects were among the items collected by missionary R.W. Large for the Ontario Provincial Museum between 1898 and 1901.

Carved paddle painted on both sides; painted black, red and olive green. Eye, feathers, head of an eagle, ovoid body and smaller ovoid with feather shapes painted onto paddle. Rounded grip on end of handle is carved and painted with similar designs.