Pipe

Artist N.W.COAST

Datelate 19th century

Mediumargillite

ClassificationsTools and Equipment

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number1910.1.29

DescriptionCarved argillite pipe depicting four figures from stem to bowl. Figure 1 is a Raven with wings outstretched behind. Raven's curved beak touches the back of the head of Figure 2, a frog. Raven's feet grasp Frog's waist. Frog sits crouched on his hind legs with his hands around Figure 3's neck and with his mouth wide open and engulfing Figure 3's head which is bent back parallel to the pipe stem. Figure 3 is a human who is kneeling in back of the pipe bowl with his hands grasping the bowl. The human's face is serene with a flat smile, closed eyes and straight hair worn in bangs across the forehead. The bowl of the pipe resembles a human face. Circular markings on the face could indicate face painting or perhaps an Octopus mask. This pipe could possibly be a depiction and illustration of the Bear Mother myth.

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