smaller heads create a highly symmetrical design within the piece as well as further symbolize the important image of the bear. Carved out of the reproductive area of the bear is the doorway for the chief, additionally creating an important symbolic representation of their chief being birthed from the grizzly bear every time he enters and leaves his sacred quarters. This work exhibits mostly all the characteristics cited by Stockstad as it provided background information into understanding the Tlingit culture and their beliefs. Because one was made aware of their practices, the reader could understand the point of the subject matter as well as the overall design. The thing that the text neglected to mention and put in a frame of reference, however, was the competitive background of art within the culture. Though art was iconographic and symbolic, it also served to make other clan’s jealous and to raise the power and status of the tribe within the region. In this piece, one must understand the importance of the size of the work to the Tlingit society. By seeing this work in person, it is easy to understand the role the unusual scale of this piece played. Being 15 feet wide by 8 feet tall instills a sense of awe in the viewer and shows how elaborate works such as these raised a clan’s status within the community of Tlingits. Obviously, this piece was utilized as an empowering symbolic form within the tribal house of a greatly respected and sovereign chief. ...
