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 and is seated on a rectangular base with rounded corners. The figures from top to bottom: human with his head facing upwards, wearing a blanket with a canoe and two men paddling, holding a circular disc with the sun on it. In between the legs of the figure is a box with a killer whale, moon and star incised. Raven with upturned tail feathers, in its beak is a circular disc with the sun on it. Supernatural killer whale ? with three fins on each side projecting forward. Incised on back of pole is 'carved by Rufus Moody Skidegate Mission B.C.' Under base is '48a'. There are three adhesive tags on the back and bottom of the base. Two read ‘15’, the other ’50-11, 625.00’.