Search Content
Triple Mortuary
A set of three carved mortuary poles that still stand on a well-protected curve of beach. It is undoubtedly the most elaborate Haida Mortuary and unlike any other on the islands. The central pole was originally about 5.4 metres tall, with those on the sides only slightly shorter. A fourth plain post at the back helps to support the burial chamber about 3.6 metres from the ground, which appears to have held the remains of a single individual.
Detail: Face
This is a detail of the face of the remaining shaman grave figure from an island near Kiusta.
West End of Kiusta
Kiusta after 30 years of abandonment. The single pole at left is the frontal pole of the Pointing Hands with Outstretched Fingers in Anger House. The short post is a plain mortuary post that originally featured the figure of an animal with four potlatch cylinders above it. The tall pole directly behind the mortuary is a memorial pole featuring a raven on top of a tall, slab-like killer whale dorsal with the killer whale below it.
Triple Mortuary
A set of three carved mortuary poles that still stand on a well-protected curve of beach. It is undoubtedly the most elaborate Haida Mortuary and unlike any other on the islands. A fourth plain post at the back helps to support the burial chamber, which appears to have held the remains of a single individual.
Detail: Triple Mortuary
Detail of the mid-section of a set of three carved mortuary poles that still stand on a well-protected curve of beach. It is undoubtedly the most elaborate Haida Mortuary and unlike any other on the islands.
Detail: Triple Mortuary
Detail of the upper section of a set of three carved mortuary poles that still stand on a well-protected curve of beach.
Shaman's Grave
This shaman's grave has only one of the original pair of posts remaining. The figure is in a typical pose with one arm down against his stomach holding a rattle and the other up against his chin holding a soul-catcher. Originally, he wore a conical shaman's cap.
Side: Standing Bear Memorial
This memorial pole depicts a grizzly bear with a plain column above its head. Small owl figures are carved in the ears of the bear.
Standing Bear Memorial
This memorial pole depicts a grizzly bear with a plain column above its head. Squat figures of owls are carved in the ears of the bear. The pole appears in the photograph to be remarkably well preserved in relation to the others on the site and was probably erected just prior to the abandonment of the site.
Detail: Standing Bear's Face
This details the head of the grizzly bear that has a plain column above its head and squat owl figures are carved in its ears.
Detail: Standing Bear's Face
This details the head of the grizzly bear that has a plain column above its head and squat owl figures are carved in its ears.
Corner Post
Likely the base of a corner post from the Story (or Myth) House. This section of the pole appears to have a bear-like figure that is holding a sea mammal in its mouth.
Mortuary Posts
Mortuary posts to the west of the house row.
Triple Mortuary
View from behind of a unique and elaborate set of three carved mortuary poles that still stands on a well-protected curve of beach.
Shaman's Grave
This shaman's grave has only one of the original pair of posts remaining. The figure is in a typical pose with one arm down against his stomach holding a rattle and the other up against his chin holding a soul-catcher. Originally, he wore a conical shaman's cap.