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Early Park Title

Haida Pole

Haida Pole, 1925
Carver: Robert Ridley

Owt’iwans (Robert Ridley), a Haida carver from Massett, carved this pole in 1925. The next year it was presented to Walter Cameron Nichol, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, perhaps on the occasion of his retirement from office. It was installed opposite the front door of Government House in Victoria. Some time between 1941 and 1945 it was moved to Thunderbird Park. The pole’s structure and imagery are drawn from older Haida examples; the distinctive style is the carver’s own. 
RBCM: 6376.


Thunderbird Park, 1950s.
BC Government photograph.
BC Archives I-21007.

Haida PoleThunderbird Park, 1950s. BC Government photograph. BC Archives I-21007.

Eagle, standing on the head of an unidentified creature.



Shaman, wearing face paint, a dance apron and a headdress of feathers or claws, holding a rattle in each hand. Shamans are often depicted holding circular rattles such as these. Headdresses made from grizzly bear claws are also part of the traditional shaman’s costume and may be alluded to here. 
Beaver, indicated by large incisors, raised paws (which usually hold a stick) and a flat, upturned tail. 
Human face under the Beaver’s tail. This face may be associated with the figures of Bear and cub below it. 

Bear, holding a cub. With the small face above the Bear’s head, these figures may portray the Haida story about a woman who marries a bear and has children that are part human and part bear. 

Frog, below the Bear cub. Frogs change form over their lifetimes, inhabiting both water and land; these transformations are associated with the supernatural world.
Eagle, with short curved beak and white legs and tail. The eyes painted on the wings refer to traditional Haida formline designs.

 
 

Thunderbird Park, 1950s. BC Government photograph.
BC Archives I-21005.
Government House grounds, Victoria. RBCM PN 5810.
Close up of EagleGovernment House grounds, Victoria. RBCM PN 5810.
Close up of ShamanGovernment House grounds, Victoria. RBCM PN 5810.
Close up of BeaverGovernment House grounds, Victoria. RBCM PN 5810.
Close up of Government House grounds, Victoria. RBCM PN 5810.
Close up of Government House grounds, Victoria. RBCM PN 5810.
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