Boas, Franz: Primitive art (Oslo , Leipzig [u.a.], 1927)

Art of the North Pacific Coast of North America

247


Fig. 259. Front of a slate box with design
representing a sea-monster, Haida.

the tail turned upward over the back so that it almost touches the head.
This arrangement must be considered in connection with the formal
treatment of boxfronts which will be discussed later (pp. 263 et seq.).
Fig. 260 represents the carving on a slate slab. We have here
a different representa-
tion of the sea-monster,
which is also, as we
might say, much ab-
breviated. The head
occupies by far the
larger portion of the
carving. The body
which is seen under-
neath the head, in the
centre of the slab, is
indicated by a com-
paratively small square
with rounded edges,
decorated with two fins.
The rest of the decora-
tion on the lower edge
of the slab must be
interpreted as the arms
of the monster, the
large face on each
corner representing an
elbow. The whole arm,
extending from the elbow
indicated by an oval the
From it rise the three fingers
of the monster, the fins, which
shown adjoining the


Fig. 260.

Slate slab with design representing
a sea-monster, Haida.

to the hand, is omitted. The latter is
centre of which is occupied by an eye.
or claws. The important symbols
are attached to the fore arm, are
elbow, and rise along the sides of the slab,
outside of the eyes. The two ornaments occupying the upper
corners of the slab are undoubtedly the tail. This arrangement is