Ancestor Figure Item Number: A1800 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved wooden figure sitting with knees drawn up. The head is oval shaped with large ovoid eyes, protruding nose and open mouth. The upper lip and chin are painted black; a red band is painted across the face, the bridge of the nose and around the lips. Arms that hang down to the sides are attached separately to the body.
History Of Use
House carving; ancestor figure
Narrative
Barbeau noted in 1939: "Pole carving representing Gumbegalis; was quite old when obtained in 1894. Mamalilli Kulla (Kwakiutl)." (From C.M. Barbeau photo notes, in the Archives at the Canadian Museum of History, near Ottawa.)
Iconographic Meaning
"Represents Gumbegdles, a chief who found food for his tribe in a severe winter" (Raley notes).
Item History
- Made in 'Yalis (Alert Bay), British Columbia, Canada before 1894
- Collected during 1894
- Owned by George Henry Raley before November 1948
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller) during November 1948
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- George Henry Raley
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- 'Yalis (Alert Bay), British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1894
- Collection Date
- during 1894
- Ownership Date
- before November 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1948
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1960/0199