First Nations, Canada, British Columbia, Masset, Haida Gwaii, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand carved red cedar miniature dugout war style canoe with 2 figures and a set of 5 paddles wrapped in sinew cords. One figure wears a cotton blanket shawl, and the other has articulating arms, and they both wear woven conical hats. The boat prow is painted with formline motifs - which was common on war or "head" canoes to display the chief's crest. The clothed figure has his arms folded over his chest, not posed for paddling - likely symbolizing his chieftaincy. This model is a rare antique example of the craftsmanship that would have also been necessary to make the life-sized boats. Allegedly this set was collected by George Henry Raley (1864 to 1958) a notable Christian missionary and writer. Size of boat: 10.5" L x 2" W x 1.75" H (26.7 cm x 5.1 cm x 4.4 cm); larger figure: 3.25" L x 1.5" W (8.3 cm x 3.8 cm)

George Henry Raley born in 1863/64 in Yorkshire England, immigrating to Canada in 1882, settling near Brockville, Ontario. In 1893 he relocated to Kitamaat British Columbia to serve as a Methodist missionary also running a small quarterly newspaper / publication aimed at indigenous readers. In 1906 he served at the Port Simpson BC mission and later as a principal of a residential school until his retirement; he died in 1958. Raley accumulated a substantial private collection of artefacts and wrote a booklet on Vancouver's totem poles and a dictionary of local Native languages. His involvement in the colonialist project of missionary work and the administration of residential schools - institutions known for their role in the forced assimilation of Indigenous children - casts a shadow over his legacy. Most of his collection was purchased by the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology.

Haida canoes, crafted from the giant red cedar trees of Haida Gwaii, were highly prized by coastal chiefs for their beautiful lines, fine craftsmanship, and superior quality. Canoe makers worked throughout autumn to carve the canoes, which were then moved to villages for finishing over the winter. When Europeans arrived, they depicted Haida in large war canoes with high prows bearing crests, similar to this example. By the late 18th century, the Haida adapted their canoes to include sails, making them faster and more maneuverable, capable of carrying significant freight. Models were built to demonstrate their construction and later as souvenirs or toys. This is a fantastic antique version that may date to the 19th century or turn of the century.

Provenance: private Litchfield, Ohio, USA collection; ex- Davis Brother's Auction; Collected at Masset British Columbia by George Henry Raley

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#186770

Heavy wear to wood of boat with hole worn through the bottom. Fading to pigments and surface abrasions. One paddle is repaired with adhesive, and another has a snapped handle. Old loss to the leg of one figure, and missing clothes. This boat and figures may pre-date George Henry Raley, the collector, arrival to BC in 1897.