Horn spoon with emaciated canine figure (wolf or dog) carved on handle. The canine head is carved right at the tip of the handle, with an extended tongue.

• Narrative

  This example of southern-coast artistry shares the graceful, overall shape of spoons common to other regions of the Northwest Coast – a wide bowl with a tapering handle – yet is distinct from northern horn spoons in its imagery, stylistic details, and the inward bend of the handle’s tip. Thought to be from the southern part of the Northwest Coast region; possibly a Coast Salish carver. At some point in its journey it became part of a private collection in Scotland, then eventually brought to British Columbia and sold to donor Elspeth McConnell.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The artist represented a wolf, or perhaps a dog, as though it is emaciated. Animals with ribs showing are also depicted on objects that may indicate a kind of spirit being or crossing of supernatural realms.

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• Type of Item spoon
• Culture Northwest Coast
• Material mountain goat horn
• Measurements height 14.5 cm, width 4.8 cm, depth 4.7 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Elspeth McConnell
• Received from Elspeth McConnell

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• Made in British Columbia

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• Creation Date between 1790 and 1850
• Ownership Date before August 12, 2017
• Acquisition Date on August 12, 2017

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3260/0060