Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Silkscreen print of a beaver with a large head. Body of beaver is rounded in two parts. Frontal view is outlined in black. There is a slight rising on either side of the head above tje eyes to indicate ears. Thick, even black eyebrows with tapering ends, large wide nose, and two U-shaped incisors. Paws in front of the body with ovoid eyes on forelimbs holding a stick. Below the stick, there is a crosshatched inverted u form. The hind feet are raised up under forelimbs and both have black split u's, ovoid with eye, and three toes on each paw. Black inscription below image. The print is on vertically rectangular, off-white paper.

History Of Use

Northwest Coast print making is a relatively new art form, which began in the late 1940's, but did not develop until the late 1960's. The establishment of the Northwest Coast Indian Artists Guild, in 1977, aided the implementation of standards in limited addition runs and various aspects of quality control. Silk-screen prints have been used to portray traditional and contemporary themes, as well as to make personal statements. Kwakwaka'wakw artists have, in general, preferred to work with traditional crest designs and mythical themes. More colours are used by Kwakwaka'wakw artists than are used by northern Northwest Coast artists, and the images are composed of many small elements combining into relatively realistic forms.

Iconographic Meaning

Beaver is an important crest, the subject of many legends and found in many forms. Beaver is characterized by 2 large incisors, a rounded, wide, cross-hatched tail, ears and 2 front paws either holding a stick or held up in front; if frontal view the tail is up against the chest.

Cultural Context

contemporary art

Narrative

Nb3.1335 to Nb3.1343 were given to Audrey Hawthorn in 1973. This collection of Henry Speck prints is from an unnumbered collection printed in the 1960's.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items