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Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe

Name: Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe
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Book Synopsis: Northwest Coast peoples were maritime engineers who mastered the art of building dugout canoes from gigantic red cedars, using only tools made from bone, stone, and wood. Ubiquitous, these elegant craft were used for everyday and ceremonial purposes, for fishing, hunting and trading, for feasting and potlatching, and in warfare—they were the keys that unlocked the treasure chest of the North Pacific. Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe tells the story of the Northwest Canoe from its zenith in pre-contact times, through its decline in the late nineteenth century, to its revival in Lootaas (Wave Eater) which Bill Reid built for Expo '86, to its culmination with the Tribal Canoe Journeys of the twenty-first century and The Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculptures. Bill Reid expressed awe for the traditional Haida canoe and what it represents visually, symbolically, and culturally. In his words, "Western art starts with the figure—West Coast Indian art starts with the canoe." The successive journeys of Lootaas were significant stages in Bill Reid's work, which culminated with the iconic sculpture The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, a monumental bronze canoe filled to overflowing with creatures of Haida mythology (currently featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill). As a final creative act Bill Reid requested that, at the end of his life, his ashes be transported in Lootaas paddled by a crew of his Haida friends and relatives to Tanu, his grandmother's village in Gwaii Haanas. The story is told through writings and artworks by Bill Reid, vivid photographs by Phillip Hersee, Ulli Steltzer, Robert Semeniuk and others, texts by James Raffan, Martine J. Reid, and Mike Robinson and first-hand accounts by First Nations paddlers. Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe is a companion book to the Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe exhibition mounted by the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art and touring to the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario.

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Discover the captivating history of the Haida Canoe with "Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe". Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Northwest Coast peoples and their mastery of maritime engineering. Through this awe-inspiring book, you'll uncover the secrets of building these elegant canoes using tools made from bone, stone, and wood. Dive deep into the stories of everyday use, ceremonial purposes, and their significance in warfare, fishing, hunting, and trading. Experience the journey of the Haida Canoe from its zenith to its revival in Lootaas, the remarkable Wave Eater crafted by Bill Reid for Expo '86.

Step into the world of Bill Reid as he expresses his admiration for the traditional Haida canoe. In his own words, "Western art starts with the figure—West Coast Indian art starts with the canoe." Marvel at his iconic sculpture, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, a monumental bronze canoe overflowing with mythical creatures of the Haida people. This masterpiece, which graces the Canadian twenty-dollar bill, symbolizes the triumph and cultural significance of the Haida Canoe.

Join Bill Reid on his successive journeys with Lootaas that marked significant stages in his work. Be moved by his final creative act, as he requested that his ashes be transported in Lootaas, paddled by a crew of his Haida friends and relatives, to Tanu, his grandmother's village in Gwaii Haanas. Experience the profound connection between Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe, beautifully portrayed through vivid photographs, writings, and artworks by Bill Reid himself, along with the heartfelt accounts of First Nations paddlers.

Unlock the treasure chest of the North Pacific and embark on a journey through history with "Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe". This companion book to the exhibition at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of the Haida Canoe. Ready to immerse yourself in this extraordinary world? Get your copy now!

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