Biblical Archaeology Review - January-February 2018

WORLDWIDE

72 January/February 2018

© THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM/ART RESOURCE, NY

Nootka Sound, British Columbia, Canada

Collected in the 1780s by British explorer Captain James Cook, this ceremonial club is one of the oldest and

best-preserved artifacts of northwest Canada. Made of yew wood and stone, the club is 10 inches high and

almost 10 inches wide. The handle is decorated with black human hair and inlaid with snail shells

and sea otter teeth. While the bottom of the club’s handle depicts a stylized double-faced owl,

the top bears a striking representation of a Thunderbird—a legendary creature that symbolizes

power and strength.

According to the Nuu-cha-nult peoples who fashioned the club, Thunderbird was the most

celebrated whaler and taught the dangerous but rewarding practice to humans. Whaling provided

valuable resources and was a fundamental aspect of the lives of many communities in northwest-

ern Canada. Today Thunderbird remains a celebrated fi gure to many native peoples.

The Thunderbird Club can be seen today at the British Museum in London, England.

PACIFIC OCEAN

Nootka Sound

CANADA

UNITED STATES

of AMERICA