Welcome Figure

Culture

Kwakwaka'wakw

Locale

Kingcome Inlet (Gwa'yi)

Object

Welcome Figure

Accession Number

1969.492

Credit Line

Native Arts acquisition funds

Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Welcome Figure, About 1914. Wood with metal support; 64 x 52 x 12 in. Denver Art Museum: Native Arts acquisition funds, 1969.492

Dimensions

height: 164 in, 416.5600 cm; width: 52 in, 132.0800 cm; width: 62 in, 157.4800 cm; depth: 12 in, 30.4800 cm

Department

Native Arts

Collection

Indigenous Arts of North America

This object is currently on view

Johnny Scow, chief of the Kwikwasut’inuxw band of the Kwakwaka’wakw, commissioned this “welcome figure” as a form of protest against the Canadian government for the theft of Kwakwaka’wakw land near Kingcome Inlet. Historically, welcome figures marked territorial boundaries and greeted visitors as they arrived for feasts or ceremonies. This figure, “gifted” to settlers occupying traditional Kwakwaka’wakw territory, subversively acknowledged the Kwakwaka’wakw as the rightful stewards of the land.

Known Provenance

Commissioned by John (or Johnny) Scow, Kwikwasut’inuxw band of the Kwakwaka’wakw, c. 1914, Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia; By descent, William David Scow [1902-1984] [1], Alert Bay, British Columbia; Purchased by the Denver Art Museum, 1969 [1] Son of John Scow

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