Argillite Totem Pole
Date1879
Mediumargillite
DimensionsOther: 40.4 × 6.7 × 5.5 cm (15 7/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 3/16 in.)
ClassificationsCeremonial Objects
Paper Field ReferencesCMH VII-B-835
Object numberHRC 00835
Descriptionshowing a leading episode in this early Genesis of how the raven stole the moon and cast it into the sky where it has stayed as a luminary ever since. tthis theme under its plastic form seems to be the invention of Charley Edenshaw. this crucial episode of the beginning of hte world became a chosen theme for carving both at Skidegate and Massett. in this pole we see the raven in the centre of the pole holding in his bill a full crescent, the moon in its last quarter. the beaver sits at the base in usual form and the grizzly at the summit reflecrtively looks down at the frog, upside down, beneath him.Published References'Haida Myths Illustrated in Argillite Carvings' Marius Barbeau
On View
Not on viewCollections
1884
1898
c. 1879
c. 1879
