Ancestor Figure Item Number: A17154 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden, carved figure depicting a chief being lifted by another man, probably a slave. The top figure has a painted face and body, and is wearing a headdring; all are painted red and black with Northwest Coast designs. The position of the body is standing with his right arm raised and his palm open. The left hand is under the other figure's chin. The lower figure is in a crouched position with his left knee bent under and his right knee bent up supporting the right leg of the upper man. The lower figure is holding the other figure's left foot in his left hand and the right is wrapped around the other's leg. The second figure's face has an open mouth and is painted with red and black imagery. (Figure now has its right arm in a raised position.)
History Of Use
Would have been displayed publicly, perhaps during a potlatch, to honour or commemorate the greatness of a chief. (His right arm is now raised upward, as it should have been - unlike the position in the photo.)
Cultural Context
potlatch figure
Iconographic Meaning
Represents the relationship between those of noble rank and those of the slave class. The chief is portrayed in an idealized fashion, with his right arm extended in one of the stylized gestures of speech-making and greeting used on formal occasions. In contrast, the slave's features are crudely carved. The upper figure shows high rank by the wearing of a distinctive headdring or headdress.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada between 1860 and 1880
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before January 1973
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during January 1973
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1860 and 1880
- Ownership Date
- before January 1973
- Acquisition Date
- during January 1973
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 39
- Accession Number
- 0233/0021