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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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

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