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House Post, from a Set of Four

Arts of the Americas

MEDIUM Cedar wood
DATES 19th century
DIMENSIONS 91 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 17 1/4in. (232.4 x 80 x 43.8cm) storage (CRATE made 2009 for 11.700.1 adapted 2012 for 11.700.2): 45 × 50 × 110 in. (114.3 × 127 × 279.4 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER 11.700.2
CREDIT LINE Museum Expedition 1911, Museum Collection Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION House post (one of four) carved from a single piece of cedar wood, dark and unpainted that was used as an interior house post to support roof beams. Two figures: large bird probably missing its curved beak holds a small humanoid figure in front of a shield (called a "copper") on its chest. Larger figure has humanoid ears and mouth. Figures in high relief. Back of post is roughly carved and hollowed out into a concave cavity. Condition: At the center rear base area there is a major wood loss. Overall wear and worm holes, cracks. Parts missing: nose (or "beak") of bird, nose of smaller figure, part of the left hand of larger figure. There are several cracks that include many large vertical cracks, abrasions, losses, scratches, and surface wear. In some areas the wood is weak due to rot and insect damage. There are iron hooks in the back (top and bottom), evidently from a former mount.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Heiltsuk (Bella Bella). House Post, from a Set of Four, 19th century. Cedar wood, 91 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 17 1/4in. (232.4 x 80 x 43.8cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1911, Museum Collection Fund, 11.700.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 11.700.2_cropped_glass_bw.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 11.700.2_cropped_glass_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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Heiltsuk (Bella Bella). <em>House Post, from a Set of Four</em>, 19th century. Cedar wood, 91 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 17 1/4in. (232.4 x 80 x 43.8cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1911, Museum Collection Fund, 11.700.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 11.700.2_cropped_glass_bw.jpg)