Speaker's Staff Item Number: A8378 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Staff featuring figures that are carved in the form of coppers and geometric shapes; the middle u-shape appears to have a Chilkat or ancestor face on it. The handle has shredded cedar bark attached with fibre twine. Colours used are black and red.
Iconographic Meaning
Upside-down coppers show how many successful potlatches the owner has held.
Cultural Context
Held by a chief during formal speeches.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1905
- Collected in Turnour Island, British Columbia, Canada and Kalugwis, British Columbia, Canada between 1895 and 1905
- Owned by A. D. MacFarlane
- Owned by Campbell River & District Historical Society before April 17, 1963
- Received from Campbell River & District Historical Society (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on April 17, 1963
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- A. D. MacFarlane and Campbell River & District Historical Society
- Received from
- Campbell River & District Historical Society (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Turnour Island, British Columbia, Canada and Kalugwis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1905
- Collection Date
- between 1895 and 1905
- Ownership Date
- before April 17, 1963
- Acquisition Date
- on April 17, 1963
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 27
- Accession Number
- 0099/0019