Figure Item Number: A153 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Naturalistic carving of a salmon. Three small holes drilled through dorsal area. Small hole in the belly with wooden plug inserted.
Cultural Context
shaman's charm?
Narrative
According to Burnett this item, as well as A146, A149-A153, A155-A157, "...belonged to the late Medicine Man Najieksum Illthpooen (the tail of the whale), of the Kityelash tribe, the people who live by the strong water, Port Essington District ... and was purchased from his widow by the Methodist Missionary of that district." A153 is a pair with A152. The shaman was from Kitselas, as was the attributed maker, Elwitt. These two carvings match other known works by Elwitt in style and are very similar to his spoons and bowls that feature fish. These figures would indicate that Elwitt not only carved for clan usage and the art market, but that he also made objects that were used by medicine men (Christopher Smith, 2019).
Item History
- Made by Samuel Elwitt (Maker) in Kitselas, British Columbia, Canada between 1900 and 1910
- Collected in Port Essington, British Columbia, Canada between 1920 and 1927
- Owned by Najieksum Illthpooen
- Owned by Frank Burnett before 1927
- Received from Frank Burnett (Donor) on July 25, 1927
What
Who
- Culture
- Tsimshian
- Creator
- Samuel Elwitt (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Najieksum Illthpooen and Frank Burnett
- Received from
- Frank Burnett (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kitselas, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Port Essington, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1900 and 1910
- Collection Date
- between 1920 and 1927
- Ownership Date
- before 1927
- Acquisition Date
- on July 25, 1927
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 17
- Accession Number
- 2191/0185