Once again I find myself in the Royal British Columbia museum in Victoria to see an exhibition. Certainly for me the height of the museums permanent collection are the galleries devoted to the art of the First nations people which is stunning.
The collection of objects varies from stone pounders and tools beautifully carved out of stones to the many masks in which the native peoples expressed their traditions. The museums models of native villages are very informative and like most models very charming.
As you can see taking photos without flash is allowed, many thanks to my buddy Bruce for the excellent pictures.
The history of the first nations people and their crafts are beautifully illustrated through costume and the sense of depth the exhibits reflect. The peoples who founded Canada are Canada's best kept secret too often only the European culture on Canada is recognized but here a truth that has been present for thousands of years before is presented in very simple elegant surroundings.
The galleries include a very comfortable looking pit house showing how the people lived and a number of examples of door posts and totem poles. I was particularly taken with the display of snowshoes and of course this mask.
Touring the first nations exhibits will take between 1-2 hours to see and well worth the tour of British Columbia's remarkable first people and their brilliant artistic heritage.
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