Haida. <em>Figural Group: Raven Surmounted by Three Seated Figures</em>, 1860–1880. Argillite, 10 x 15 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. (25.4 x 39.4 x 9.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, By exchange, 72.5.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 72.5.1_PS1.jpg)

Figural Group: Raven Surmounted by Three Seated Figures

Artist:Haida

Medium: Argillite

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:1860–1880

Dimensions: 10 x 15 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. (25.4 x 39.4 x 9.5 cm)

Collections:

Museum Location: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 72.5.1

Image: 72.5.1_PS1.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
An argillite carving of a bird on its back surmounted by three seated figures. It is stable and in good condition. The toes on the rear sitting figure seem to be intentionally undefined. The long hair on the front figure suggests that he is a Shaman. The 'pin dots' in the centers of the eyes on the boat show the carver used a compass to create the circular forms and if so this is unusual. The piece shows great action and movement and it thought to be one of the great argillite pieces by most scholars.

Brooklyn Museum