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Nuu-chah-nulth (Huu-ay-aht) Ceremonial Screen, 19th century
|
Charles F. Newcombe purchased this ceremonial screen
at the Huu-ay-aht community of Sarita, Barkley Sound, in 1911. Composed
of a number of horizontal wooden planks, it depicts the complex histories,
rights and alliances of a chiefly family. The chief displayed it
at ceremonies, such as girls’ puberty ceremonies and marriages.
The screen was restored and the upper portion replaced when it was
removed from Thunderbird Park. This work was done by Nuu-chah-nulth
(Hesquiaht) artist Tim Paul in the Thunderbird Park Carving Program.
The screen is now in the First Peoples exhibit in museum. |
 Sarita, 1911. Charles F. Newcombe photograph. RBCM PN 493. |
Thunderbird, the central figure, with a circular design in the centre of its body. This may have functioned as a target for ceremonial contests.
|
 Thunderbird Park. T. W. S. Parsons photograph. RBCM PN 6456. |
A Whale is depicted below the Thunderbird. It has a human head in its mouth and a human-like figure at its tail. |
 Screen on display in the Royal BC Museum, RBCM 3790 |
Potlatch structures on either side
of the screen. Figures stand on these scaffolds and distribute gifts
to the guests who witness and validate the event. |
 Thunderbird Park. T. W. S. Parsons photograph. RBCM PN 6456. |
| Back to Map |