Images(3)

Haida Beaver Tsing

Artist Bill Reid (Canadian; Haida, 1920 - 1998)

Date1978

Place of ManufactureNorth America

Mediumserigraph Medium Remarks: ink

DimensionsOverall (sheet): 76 x 56.2 cm

ClassificationsFINE ART

Credit LineGift of Olive Heritage

Object number1989.033.006

DescriptionSplit image design of beaver holding stick and human figure (superimposed) in tail. The bold heavy form lines of the beaver contrast with the fine flaring almost skeletal form line of the human figure in tail. The beaver is identifiable through the "buck teeth", the stick which it holds, and cross-hatching on the tail. The "human" figure in the tail, characterized by the 5 figured hands, ribcage, and body shape, indicates a transformation between animal and human or supernatural being. The three faces at the being's head (resemble) a 3-tiered woven 'chief's hat', which is said to indicate the number of potlatches given, but more generally may indicate chiefly status

Status

Not on view