Figure Item Number: A17027 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved wooden figure depicting a human figure with a rounded belly. A knob of wood projects at the top, rear, resembling a top-knot in appearance. Engraved facial features include eyes and a mouth depicting two rows of teeth. No limbs are attached.
History Of Use
Possibly may have once stood as a grave marker?
Narrative
The provenance of the figure, before entering the Raley collection, is unknown. Stylistically it seems to vary from other known examples of Coast Salish sculpture, most notably in the facial features. The shape of the mouth and the absence of the triangular nose, commonly seen on Coast Salish sculpture, are the most ambiguous details. However, the shape of the body seems consistent with Wingert's description of Coast Salish grave figures. He notes that these types of figures: "have long oval heads, thin columnar necks, and sloping shoulders. [They] also have tapering torsos, well marked groin lines, and similarly carved hands and fingers... [Facial features have] individualistic details [such as] high pointed nose and deep creases at the sides of the mouth and higher forehead and long broken nose (1949:42)."
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada between 1800 and 1900
- Collected between 1893 and 1934
- 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
- Northwest Coast
- 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
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1800 and 1900
- Collection Date
- between 1893 and 1934
- Ownership Date
- before November 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1948
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1960/0740