Fish or Seal Club (X’ús’)
Unknown Artist
late 1800s–early 1900s
Medium
wood
Dimensions
h. 10.5 cm, d. 4 cm, l. 56 cm
Classification
Wood
Department
Art of the Americas
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of W. A. Price
Accession Number
1921.1580
About this artwork
Marine and river resources are crucial on the Northwest Coast, including halibut that can weigh several hundred pounds. The thrashing of such a large fish could endanger a canoe and so, after being thanked for surrendering its life, it was clubbed before being brought safely onboard. This example may represent a sea lion, a proficient hunter.