Gwa'sala Kwakwaka'wakw. Potlatch Figure, 19th century. Wood, beads, 44 x 12 x 9 in. (111.8 x 30.5 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X726. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X726_bw.jpg)
Gwa'sala Kwakwaka'wakw. Potlatch Figure, 19th century. Wood, beads, 44 x 12 x 9 in. (111.8 x 30.5 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X726. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X726_bw_SL4.jpg)
Potlatch Figure
Arts of the Americas
On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Witness
CULTURE
Gwa'sala Kwakwaka'wakw
MEDIUM
Wood, beads
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
44 x 12 x 9 in. (111.8 x 30.5 x 22.9 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
X726
CREDIT LINE
Brooklyn Museum Collection
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1930, acquired by the Brooklyn Museum, acquisition method not yet documented.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Wooden standing female figure. This figure lacks arms as well as the lower portion of its legs. Black beads are used to represent pupils. Its facial features are clearly delineated. Its head is flat. No distinction is made between the skirt and the torso. Old photographs show similar figures at potlatches (giveaways) clothed in blankets.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Witness
CAPTION
Gwa'sala Kwakwaka'wakw. Potlatch Figure, 19th century. Wood, beads, 44 x 12 x 9 in. (111.8 x 30.5 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X726. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X726_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, X726_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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