Objects of Wonder: Tsimshian House Front

James Di Loreto / Smithsonian Institution
March 9, 2017
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Elaborately painted wooden slats
James Di Loreto / Smithsonian Institution

This painted Tsimshian house front from Canada is widely acknowledged as one of the very best examples of Northwest Coast formline design artwork. It tells the story of the mythical Undersea Chief Nagunaks and his connection with the clan that lived in the house. It is one of the only complete Tsimshian house fronts in a museum.

Photo: James Di Loreto / Smithsonian Institution