Short enough to be a walking stick, and yet embellished with powerful imagery, this is more probably a form of speaker’s staff. Speaker was a hereditary position that accompanied clan or family leaders and spoke to gatherings on behalf of the family heads. Speaking in this way entailed specialized traditional words and phrases unique to the ceremonial context. This elite language was known and understood only by the higher, secret ranks of Native society.

The carved image at the top of the staff most likely represents an important historical clan leader, a personage of mythical stature. The formline face on which he stands is impossible to identify based on appearance alone, but may represent a special location, perhaps an island or mountain top with mythical history and importance. The figure stands in classic totem pole posture, its arms and hands extended down toward its knees. The head has a mask-like rim about the face and a flattened back, a common feature of human representations. The face includes a nearly straight profile, exaggerated cheekbones, a flat nose, and a wide mouth, all classic Tsimshian sculptural characteristics.

Steven C. Brown