77 
with a small human being inverted at the end of its beak is essentially a 
chief’s rattle design, and such rattles were almost exclusively^ carved by 
the Nass River artists. The detached human figure sitting in a box near 
the bases of the pole is from the hand of another carver^ — -Negutsrael, of 
the Larhsail phratry, of Kitwanga.^ 
The pole of the Flying-frogs (Plate XIII, figure 1) was carved by a 
Nass River artist, from the village of Gitwinksilk, at the canyon. His 
name was Tarhtsiprh, of the Fireweed phratry, according to Mrs. John 
Larahnitz; or, it was Wans, of the Eagle phratry, of the same village, 
according to Aylwin Williams. Both may have collaborated in the work. 
This pole is the best carved of the three belonging to this family. Its 
technique is firm and mature; the figures are vigorously embossed, while 
the contours are smooth. Its very finish and definiteness, however, over- 
reaches itself in a way, and removes from its interpretation one of the 
finest qualities in Tsimsyan art, which is its inspiration and vacillating 
search for self-expression or individuality. 
Here the art becomes set, just as it did in the sixties of the last century, 
among the Haidas; and although its forms are of the best, the spirit seems 
to be on the point of departing, through sheer efficiency of technique, 
which becomes self-centred and uppermost. 
The third pole (Plate XIII, figure 2) was carved by Harhpegwawtu,® 
of the Fireweed phratry, of Gitsegyukla. It is, indeed, so much better 
in quality than some of the recent work of the same carver, that we are 
inclined to believe that he must have been assisted in his work by a carver 
more skilful than himself, over whom he may merely “have stood,” in the 
accredited way. 
(18) Pole of Harhu, at Kispayaks 
OWNERS 
The origin and affiliations of Harhu’s family are the subject of con- 
flicting opinions. Although an informant believed that Harhu’s family 
originated as a subdivision of that of Kaldihgyet (or Lutkudzeeus), of 
Gitenmaks (Hazelton),^ it is more likely that it is part of what may be 
called the Water-lily ( Skasewasan ) clan, which originated in the Carrier 
country, in the neighbourhood of Hagwelget; it is, indeed, claimed that 
his relatives abroad are Kwawqaq and Ho’demerh, of Gitwinlkul; Wutarh- 
aysets and Hay’ wen, of Hagwelget and Moricetown; all of whom are part of 
the Water-lily clan. Harhu is also a close relative of Kweenu, of Git- 
winlkul, whose Sun-shines-on (’Neegyarnks ) crest he also claims. This 
has come through the adoption of Kweena of the family of Kwawqaq and 
Ho’demerh into his own. 
Harhu owns a totem pole, which stands at the head of the rear row, 
to the northeast. 
Uf not exclusively. 
*Of the family of the present Paul Benson, of Ritwanga. 
•Arthur McDames, who is still alive, and over fifty years of age. 
‘See page 56. 
