Rufus Moody 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] He was a prolific carver of argillite model poles, pushing the limits of what was considered possible in argillite in terms of size by creating poles that were several feet in height (see MOA object # Nb1.490, Weeping Pole of Tanu). Rufus Moody was awarded the Order of Canada in 1976. [2]

This fine model argillite pole features an eagle, bear, and beaver holding a chewstick with woven basketry rings and an anthropomorphic tail that features a human face. The wings of the eagle feature an ovoid and split u-form to represent wings and the chest is covered with incised feathers. The base is an especially nice feature of this pole, which has been sculpted into a chamfered octagon with triangular cutaways and crosshatching.

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