{"product_id":"northwest-coast-indigenous-miniature-carved-canoe-with-recumbent-human-figure-southern-northwest-coast-probably-nuu-chah-nulth-makah-cultural-sphere","title":"Northwest Coast Indigenous Miniature Carved Canoe with Recumbent Human Figure Southern Northwest Coast, probably Nuu-chah-nulth\/Makah cultural sphere","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLate 19th–early 20th century, possibly earlier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarved wood, likely cedar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8 inches long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptionally intriguing Northwest Coast Indigenous miniature canoe, hand carved from a single block of wood and centered by a remarkable recumbent human figure. Small in scale yet possessing tremendous sculptural and folk-art presence, the carving is distinguished by its wonderfully reductive treatment and mysterious figural composition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe deeply hollowed canoe has high continuous sides and boldly carved transverse thwarts. Extending through its center is a single human figure with straight legs, elongated arms held close to the body, articulated hands and an unusual block-like treatment above the head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticularly compelling is the pointed, almond-shaped enclosure surrounding the figure, creating the appearance of a second vessel or symbolic container within the canoe. Combined with the figure’s unusual recumbent posture, this gives the carving a distinctly ceremonial quality unlike conventional model canoes depicting paddlers, hunters or fishermen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMiniature canoe carving is well documented among the Nuu-chah-nulth and Makah peoples, and the unusual reclining figure raises the intriguing possibility of a mortuary, spiritual or ceremonial subject, although its precise meaning remains unresolved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRetaining a wonderfully dry, mellow and apparently undisturbed surface with visible hand-tool work, softened edges and deep oxidation. Scattered old insect holes, minor checking and expected age wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wonderfully enigmatic piece of Northwest Coast material culture with exceptionally strong folk-art appeal. Its diminutive scale, severe simplicity and haunting recumbent figure give the carving an almost talismanic presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvisional attribution: Southern Northwest Coast, probably Nuu-chah-nulth\/Makah cultural sphere; Coast Salish or Chinookan also possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate: Late 19th–early 20th century, possibly earlier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLength: 8 inches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67689696067693,"sku":null,"price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/A3A77C10-5019-4CBD-BE81-043F23CBFF49.jpg?v=1791560131","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/northwest-coast-indigenous-miniature-carved-canoe-with-recumbent-human-figure-southern-northwest-coast-probably-nuu-chah-nulth-makah-cultural-sphere","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}