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.

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 rectangular base with rounded corners. The figures from top to bottom: human figure wearing a hat with a frog detailed on it and holding disc with human face. In between the legs of the figure is an open box with a killer whale incised on the front. Sea bear with its tail fin in its mouth; human holding killer whale by its tail. Inscription on back of pole reads: 'Dec 1957, carved by Rufus Moody, Skidegate Mission B.C.' Under base is incised '18b'. There are three adhesive tags on the back and bottom of the base. Two read ‘17’, the other ’50-11, 480.00’.