Mat

Item number Z 35115 from the MAA: University of Cambridge.

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Data
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Description

A rectangular cedar bark mat which is bordered with a line of black and red decoration. The mat is painted with a scenario of birds, animals and what appears to be a red doorway. The birds are outlined in black and have red and blue infill. Some birds have faces painted within their bodies. The birds are an eagle, a raven, a hummingbird, a puffin, and possibly a crane or an oystercatcher. On top of the door are two heads, possibly trophy heads, and four spotty tentacles extending sideways, these are possibly an octopus. A small tailed creature is depicted near the doorway, possibly a mouse. The style of painting is not particularly sophisticated but has immense movement and vitality.; GoodThe mat has cracked along the lines of previous folds and also along the centre left side. Now stored flat.

Context

Beth Carter of The Glenbow Museum, Calgary, suggested this painting may be Nuu-Chah-Nulth or at least northern Vancouver Island (19051993). The original European tribal names and, where possible, current tribal names have both been given in separate GLT fields.; This mat was most probably a hanging and possibly represents a myth. Also given the appearence of a mouse and oyster-catcher or crane it is possible it may be connected with shamanic art, but it is hard to be certain (G.Crowther).