Spirit of Haida Gwaii, Bronze sculpture at Canadian Embassy, Washington DC, United States.
Spirit of Haida Gwaii is a bronze canoe holding thirteen figures from Haida mythology, including Raven, Mouse Woman, Grizzly Bear, and Eagle. The six-meter-long sculpture stands in front of the Canadian Embassy and displays a detailed scene with layered forms and interwoven bodies.
The work was created as a clay model by Bill Reid in 1986 and completed as a bronze casting in 1991 for the Canadian Embassy. This creation marked a significant moment in bringing Haida artistic traditions to an international stage and gaining wider recognition.
The figures shown here tell Haida stories where people and animals share a connection that still matters today. Visitors can explore the different characters and see how animals served as teachers and messengers between the worlds in Haida belief.
The black bronze sculpture can be viewed from several angles along Pennsylvania Avenue, with informational panels explaining each mythological character. The best vantage point is the street directly in front of the embassy, where details and the arrangement of figures are clearly visible.
The Raven in the canoe holds the steering oar, symbolizing the natural forces that guide human paths. This seemingly simple detail is central to understanding the entire work and its deeper meaning.
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