|
 Thunderbird
Park. RBCM PN 17599.
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Nuxalk House Frontal Pole, 19th century
Carver: Skyuswalus
This pole stood in front of a house in the Nuxalk community of Talio
on South Bentinck Arm. People entered the house through the door
at the bottom of the pole. Charles F. Newcombe purchased the pole
at Talio in 1913 and recorded that it had been carved by Skyuswalus
of Talio. The figures on the pole refer to the family histories of
its owner, Chief Hemas. Before it was erected in Thunderbird Park
in 1941, the pole was repainted and, at some time in its history,
the original beak of the Raven may have been replaced. The pole is
now exhibited behind glass near the east entrance to the museum.
RBCM 2308.
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 Thunderbird
Park. RBCM PN 17599.
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Eagles with outstretched wings flank the
head of a Beaver at the top of the pole. The feathers of Raven, the
main figure on the pole, can be seen above them.
Raven, with a large open beak, is the main figure. |
 Thunderbird
Park. RBCM PN 17599.
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The design on Raven’s body depicts the Beaver’s body
and tail (shown with a face in the centre and a star-like form at the
end), and six profile heads. The upper heads may represent Eagles.
In one interpretation, the lower figures represent Wolf, a crest acquired
by Hemas’ family through marriage. Parts of the Wolf image were
cut away when the curved door at the bottom of the pole was enlarged. |
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Talio,
1913. Charles F. Newcombe photograph. RBCM PN 10978.
Talio,
1913. Charles F. Newcombe photograph. RBCM PN 10978.
Talio,
1913. Charles F. Newcombe photograph. RBCM PN 7174.
Frontal
pole in Glass House, 2006. RBCM
Frontal
pole in Glass House, 2006. RBCM
Frontal pole in Glass House, 2006. RBCM