Earrings Item Number: Nb3.1477 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Pair of dangling earrings. The hanging part of earring (a) has curving perforated surface. Dangling in front of perforated surface is a carved flat metal whale with the tail above its head. The part with the ear post is shaped as a half-circle and has a wave running through the bottom. The central image on the other earring (b) is a person rowing a boat. This image is surrounded by an incomplete circle of wire. A wave runs under the boat. The part with the ear post is shaped as a half-circle and has a wave running through the bottom.

Cultural Context

contemporary art

Iconographic Meaning

Earrings are part of a set of jewelry that collectively depict a family narrative about the artist's grandfather, Fred Cook, who caught a whale in his fishing net and set it free rather than allowing it to be captured. See file for full story as stated by the artist. The narrative also demonstrates the artist's respect for wildlife.

Item History

What

Name
Earrings
Identification Number
Nb3.1477 a-b
Type of Item
earring
Material
silver metal, copper metal and bronze metal
Part A
height 7.0 cm, width 2.0 cm
Part B
height 6.0 cm, width 3.0 cm

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Creator
Mary Anne Barkhouse (Maker)
Previous Owner
Mary Anne Barkhouse
Received from
Mary Anne Barkhouse (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

When

Creation Date
on April 22, 1996
Ownership Date
before May 6, 1996
Acquisition Date
on May 6, 1996

Other

Item Classes
metalwork
Condition
good
Current Location
Case 38
Accession Number
1692/0001 a-b