American, 20th century. John R. Dugan (1918-1996). Oil on masonite within a wooden frame. Damage to paint surface, as well as wear throughout the frame. Signed lower left.

21.0 x 25.0"
15.5 x 20.0" sight

The Hesquiaht are Indigenous people residing on the west coast of Vancouver Island. “Hesquiaht” is an English version of the Nuu-chah-nulth word, heish-heish-a, which means, “to tear asunder with the teeth.” This refers to the technique of stripping herring spawn away from eel grass, which grew near Hesquiaht territory. Part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, the Hesquiaht number 756 registered members, as of 2021.