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Unknown Maker, Haida

Fishhook

Maker

Unknown Maker, Haida, maker

Culture

Haida, Native North American

Title

Fishhook

Year

before 1944

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

wood, ivory

Geography

British Columbia

Dimensions

27.9 cm (11 inches) (length)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Works of Art Fund

Object Number

44.358

Type

Exhibition History

Take Care
Aug 20, 2022 – Mar 22, 2023

Label copy

Carved wooden fishhooks have been used by the Haida and other Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast of North America for centuries. This example’s intricate carvings depicting animals and shamans were intended to not only lure giant halibut, but to offer respect to the fish and protection to the fisherman. Made from local natural resources such as yellow cedar, Pacific yew, spruce root, and bone, this object is a harmonious balance of craft and utility that honors the natural world.   

–Brendan Campbell, graphic designer

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Haida, maker
Fishhook, before 1944
Yellow cedar or Pacific yew wood, spruce root (wrapping), likely bear femur bone (hook), fiber cordage
27.9 cm (11 inches) (length)
Museum Works of Art Fund 44.358

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