Name/Title
SalmonEntry/Object ID
2020.01.02Description
Sculpture
This cedar carving depicts a salmon, that to the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast, is a symbol of perseverance, self-sacrifice, regeneration and prosperity. For thousands of years, Salmon were the primary food source for these First Nations and are highly respected. The salmon shaped the coast cultures and also facilitated the emergence of their distinctive art forms.
The carving is done in 'formline' detail, a Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations art form distinguished by the use of characteristic shapes, such as ovoids, U forms and trigons used for figure outlines, design elements and composition.Type of Sculpture
ReliefArtwork Details
Medium
Cedar carving with abalone detailSubject Place
Region
Pacific NorthwestContinent
North AmericaContext
The Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus) was added to B.C.'s official symbols in February 2013. Pacific salmon includes the following species: Chinook, Chum, Coho, Cutthroat trout, Pink, Sockeye, and Steelhead. They differ in size, appearance and feeding habits, but they all hatch in fresh water, mature in the ocean, and return to their place of birth to spawn and die. Thus, the salmon play an important role in the region's ecosystem, returning ocean nutrients to the rivers and streams where they were born, feeding wildlife and even the forests with their bodies and remains. This cycle of life is celebrated and respected by all Pacific Northwest Coast cultures.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownRole
SculptorDate made
circa 2007Time Period
21st CenturyNotes
This relief carving is intended to be mounted on a backdrop. The salmon is presented with a slightly bowed body and open tail fin, facing left. The carving clearly highlights the various features of the salmon, such as the scales. And several different unknown wood finishes have been used to further accentuate some features, as well as the abalone inlay for the eye.Acquisition
Acquisition Method
GiftDate
2007
