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. 20 century pieces tend to incorporate highly individual departures from previous styles, reflecting in some cases a loss of tradition.

Ike Hans, known argillite carver, began carving with Henry Young. This pole follows closely to his earlier style.

commercial art

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

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 rectangular base. The figures from top to bottom: bear with wide toothed mouth and ears which protrude from top of pole, holding onto four potlatch rings that sit on the head of a raven. Raven whose wings are incised with ovoid and u forms and curvilinear feather designs; frog hanging downward from raven's beak is incised with small dots; beaver with wide toothed mouth holds chewing stick in his paws. Base is carved into a stylized frog. Incised into the bottom of base and on back of pole is 'Carved by Ike Hans Skidegate Mission B.C.'