RUFUS MOODY, C.M. (1923-1998) SKIDEGATE, B.C.
Double-Finned Killer Whale Platter, 15 October 1974
argillite, 9 x 6 x 1 in (22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm)
signed and inscribed, "Rufus Moody / Skidegate Mission / Q.C.I. B.C."

Provenance
Private Collection, Victoria, B.C..

A finely carved argillite platter featuring a double-finned killer whale and halibut by the renowned Haida argillite carver, Rufus Moody. He was a member of the Moody family of multigenerational argillite carvers who, along with his father, Arthur, and grandfather, Thomas, “have probably contributed a greater volume of argillite than any three generations in a single family.” [1] Rufus Moody was awarded the Order of Canada in 1976. [2]

This argillite platter features what appears to be a double-finned killer whale and halibut rendered in low relief over crosshatching. The imagery is a little hard to decipher, since the whale appears to have ears and is turned with what looks like two dorsal fins folded over its back. The ears may indicate it is a Wasgo or other supernatural being. It’s also possible that the image intentionally references multiple beings at once, as a sort of visual pun.

1. Leslie Drew and Douglas Wilson. 1980. Argillite, Art of the Haida. North Vancouver, B.C: Hancock House, 254

2. Order of Canada Recipients, Rufus Moody. https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-13750

Christopher W. Smith