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Canada

Explore The Royal Family's close relationship with the region, as well as the diverse artistic traditions represented in the Royal Collection

DOUG LAFORTUNE (B. 1953)

Salish Welcome Figure

1994

Cedar and bark | 75.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 74171

A red cedar model potlatch figure: a carved figure of a man standing with arms outstretched, wearing a breech clout and twined cedar bark or grass hat; with an integral rectangular base with rounded corners, inscribed.

This figure is a model of the large anthropomorphic welcome figures used in a potlatch, a First Nations ceremony of feasting, gift-giving and wealth redistribution. Guests arriving in a village are greeted by figures of this kind, often depicted with arms outstretched or shading their eyes as if looking out across the water for arrivals. 

Doug LaFortune is a master carver from the Tsawout people of the Coast Salish First Nation, north-western Canada.

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