Cannibal Spirit Puppet Item Number: 3217/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Olala. Large, painted, wooden puppet. The head is removable (part b). Legs (from torso to knees) are painted leather; upper body, arms, feet and head are painted wood. Fur additions at knees, wrists, sides and eyebrows. Long, full hair attachments on the head are tied together at the back (approx. 42 x 18 cm).
Cultural Context
According to Margaret Blackman, Thompson started making Haida-inspired puppets in the mid-1980s, based on a piece in the Smithsonian collection, a 19th century headdress representing a corpse (see Bodies of Enchantment, Levell, p. 67.)
Narrative
Donated by Richard Porter, courtesy of the Lattimer Gallery.
Iconographic Meaning
Said to represent the Haida cannibal spirit Olala (Dead Man).
Item History
- Made by Art Thompson (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada before 2003
- Owned by Robert Richard Porter before December 6, 2016
- Received from Robert Richard Porter (Donor) on December 6, 2016
What
- Name
- Cannibal Spirit Puppet
- Identification Number
- 3217/1 a-b
- Type of Item
- puppet
- Material
- cedar wood, leather skin, metal, horse hair and paint
- Part A
- height 107.0 cm, width 47.0 cm, depth 20.0 cm
- Part B
- height 24.0 cm, width 27.0 cm, depth 24.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Nuu-chah-nulth: Ditidaht
- Creator
- Art Thompson (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Robert Richard Porter
- Received from
- Robert Richard Porter (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 2003
- Ownership Date
- before December 6, 2016
- Acquisition Date
- on December 6, 2016
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3217/0001 a-b