Name/Title
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)Entry/Object ID
2001.01.16Description
Taxidermy - Full specimen mount of fish
This fish, a Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), is the largest species of Pacific salmon. They are also known as King Salmon, Quinnat Salmon, Tsumen, Spring Salmon, etc. with an average weight of 14 kg. Chinook Salmon spend on average three to four years at sea before returning to their freshwater home rivers to spawn.
Chinook Salmon are native to the North Pacific Ocean and the river systems of western North America, as well as Asian rivers. They have also been introduced to other parts of the world. Some populations are endangered; however, many are healthy. New Zealand and Chile currently produce significant quantities of farmed Chinook salmon. In Canada, most commercial Chinook salmon farming ceased by 2009.
To the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast, the Salmon is a symbol of perseverance, self-sacrifice, regeneration and prosperity. The Salmon shaped the coast cultures and also facilitated the emergence of their distinctive art forms.Context
The early members of the Union Club of British Columbia enjoyed the scenic splendours and the many opportunities for sports fishing and big game hunting across the province. Over time, the Club became noted for its outstanding collection of mounted taxidermy items. Of note, in 1910 the Club loaned its collection to the Dominion Government for international exhibition in Vienna (details unknown).
It appears that the mounted Wolf Eel (2001.01.100) may be the only survivor of the original early 20th century collection.For further detail - see Susan Mayse, "The Union Club of British Columbia - Our First 125 Years" (Victoria, B.C.: The Union Club of British Columbia, 2004):59, and Paul L. Bissley, "Early and Late Victorians: A History of the Union Club of British Columbia" (Sidney, B.C.: Review Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., 1969). Both publications are available in the UCBC Library.
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The Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus) was added to B.C.'s official symbols in 2013. Pacific salmon includes the following species: Chinook, Chum, Coho, Cutthroat trout, Pink, Sockeye, and Steelhead.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownRole
TaxidermistDate made
circa 1987Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
Stuffed and wall-mounted salmon with slight life-like tail wrist bend as though being propelled forward, and open tail (or caudal) fin. Faces right with open mouth.Dimensions
Dimension Description
Approx. length of fishLength
122 cmAcquisition
Acquisition Method
GiftNotes
Legacy collection
Plaque: Chinook Salmon, 62 lbs [~28 kg]. Taken on cut-plug herring Hardy 10’10”-25 lb. test. On June 14, 1987 At Langara Island, B.C. by J. David Hyslop.
Donated by J. David Hyslop![Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), ca. 1987: Plaque: Chinook Salmon, 62 lbs [~28 kg]. Taken on cut-plug herring Hardy 10’10”-25 lb. test. On June 14, 1987 At Langara Island, B.C. by J. David Hyslop. Note: Langara Island is the northernmost island of Haida Gwaii in B.C.](https://d8e7jbdw4fu0e.cloudfront.net/5457/060587c0-d3e5-11ec-b228-51d82028998f-vUVFGP7.lg@2x.jpg)