Pole Figure Item Number: A2491 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carving of a mask-shaped humanoid face that is somewhat flat, with a slightly protruding brow, eyes, nose and mouth. The figure is painted with a brown forehead that has an abstract design in light blue, white, red and dark yellow; a green brow with white edges; black around the eyes and over the bridge of the nose; white cheeks, nose tip, and chin; red nostrils and lips; a black moustache; and a black vertical band at the centre of the chin.
History Of Use
This carving was originally attached to the breast of the Thunderbird, at the top of the Wakas pole, Kwaunkwanekulegyi, or Thundermaker. The pole was carved by Yuxwayu as a memorial to Chief Wakas (or Wakius, or Wa'kas). The original house pole was erected c. 1893 in Alert Bay, with a ceremonial entrance through the Raven's mouth. The pole depicts a legend of 3 sons of a 'Namgis chief who outwit the cannibal-at-the-north-end-of-the-world, who had been stealing members of the tribe. In 1928 the pole was bought by the Art, Historical and Scientific Association of Vancouver, and installed in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Apparently restoration was carried out in the 1960s and somehow this piece from the belly of the thunderbird ended up in Walter Koerner's collection, who then donated it to MOA in 1976. In 1985 the pole was transferred to the Vancouver Museum. In 1987, the Vancouver Museum agreed to lend the pole to the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) for 30 years, for their "Grand Hall" exhibit. The CMC commissioned a new Wakas pole from Doug Cranmer, which was erected in Stanley Park in May 1987. The original pole was restored by Doug Cranmer and Bruce Alfred in 1988, at the CMC. (According to an article in the Vancouver Sun, Oct 31, 1986, the thunderbird from the top of the pole went missing from the Park Board service yard.) The carving at MOA (A2491) was reputedly repainted by Emily Carr.
Item History
- Made by Yuxwayu (Maker) in 'Yalis (Alert Bay), British Columbia, Canada between 1890 and 1900
- Owned by Chief Wawkyas
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before April 8, 1976
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on April 8, 1976
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Yuxwayu (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Chief Wawkyas and Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- 'Yalis (Alert Bay), British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1890 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before April 8, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on April 8, 1976
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0336/0002