House Frontal Pole at The British Museum, London

myminifactory

This is a traditional house frontal pole crafted from sturdy red cedar wood, originating from the Haida people of British Columbia's Northwest Coast in America during the 19th century. Haida houses served as vibrant ceremonial spaces where elaborate feasts called potlatches were held to commemorate life cycle events and honor new chiefs with memorial ceremonies. These events remain crucial today, now typically taking place within specially designed community Big Houses. A majestic eagle perches atop this carved doorway, while a secondary crest figure, likely a bear, is situated beneath it. On either side of the eagle, the distinctive horns of a mountain goat are prominently displayed. At the base of the pole stands an enormous baleen whale, proudly showcasing the Haida's remarkable craftsmanship. This object forms part of "Scan The World," a charitable initiative launched by MyMiniFactory to create a comprehensive digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan The World is a collaborative, open-source effort, welcoming contributions from individuals worldwide; if you have intriguing items to share, please email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate in this community-driven project.