On the Hunt

On The Hunt, a group exhibition explores themes of the hunter and the hunted in Pacific Northwest Coast art, mythology, and culture. Through the millennia, the rich natural resources of the Pacific Northwest have provided an abundance to the people of this region. The vast ecosystem is an endless circle—the salmon feed the eagles, bears, and humans and, in turn, their decomposing bodies along the riverbanks further provide nutrients for the trees and plants, which provide wood and bark for clothing, baskets, utensils, long houses, masks, and dugout canoes. Elk and deer are hunted for food, but also used for much more—the hides are tanned and used for drum making, dance aprons, and leather straps; the antlers are used as the handles of rattles or as inlay in carved panels, masks, and other sculpture.

These creatures, whether hunters or prey, often are tied directly to clan lineages and are embodied as such through myths and stories passed down and depicted on regalia and ceremonial objects. The killer whale is revered as the embodiment of the hunt, as are supernatural characters like Thunderbirds and their Lightning Serpents that aid in the hunt of the whales. Many canoes are decorated with the design of the killer whale to bring good luck to their hunting and fishing endeavors because of this association. And unique fishing techniques from reefnet fishing to intricately crafted halibut hooks reflect skills and incredible knowledge accumulated over generations.

On the Hunt brings together the works of many different Indigenous Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native artists to highlight and celebrate traditional knowledge and create connections between contemporary depictions of hunter and prey.

Exhibition Dates: