Don Yeomans Haida, b. 1958
Mighty Mouse, 2025
Red cedar and acrylic
36 x 24 inches
91.4 x 61 cm
91.4 x 61 cm
Further images
This panel refers to a common literary device in Haida legends wherein characters who are in trouble transform themselves into a mouse in order to escape. Canadian archaeologist Wilson Duff...
This panel refers to a common literary device in Haida legends wherein characters who are in trouble transform themselves into a mouse in order to escape. Canadian archaeologist Wilson Duff coined the term ‘Mighty Mouse’ in the sixties in reference to the many depictions of Mouse across various aspects of Northwest Coast design.
In the Haida language, Mouse is known as Qaganjaat. Although she has fulfilled many roles, she is generally known for her wisdom and powers of speech and cunning. She is said to be very ancient and a keeper of wisdom and an advisor to worldly travellers. These are of course generalizations, but despite her size, she was highly regarded within the stories. Don painted this panel in Chilkat colours based on the weavings of the Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit people.
In the Haida language, Mouse is known as Qaganjaat. Although she has fulfilled many roles, she is generally known for her wisdom and powers of speech and cunning. She is said to be very ancient and a keeper of wisdom and an advisor to worldly travellers. These are of course generalizations, but despite her size, she was highly regarded within the stories. Don painted this panel in Chilkat colours based on the weavings of the Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit people.