The Haida (hydah), a prominent tribe of the Northwest Coast, lived in a forested archipelago surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. On land they enjoyed the bounties of timber and game, while the ocean provided a limitless supply of sea mammals and fish. From their large cedar canoes they pursued cod, salmon, and halibut, among others. Halibut could weigh anywhere from 30 to several hundred pounds. To minimize the danger of a large thrashing fish damaging or upsetting a canoe, a stout club was employed to stun or kill the hooked fish before hauling it in.

The Haida were excellent woodcarvers especially adept at decorating utility items with traditional symbols and designs. Often, their fish clubs represented a natural predator of the fish such as a sea lion. The cedar wood club pictured here depicts a grimacing sea lion with bared teeth and bulbous snout. The body of the animal contains design elements that connect with the front and rear flippers. A handle flows from the back end and terminates in a rounded knob, pierced for a hide thong. A substantial piece of fishing equipment that is both beautiful and deadly efficient.

Length 19 1/4” $5,000