Tsimshian Treasures: The Remarkable Journey of the Dundas Collection

On a trip to Canada in 1863, the Scottish Reverend Robert J. Dundas visited a model Church of England mission established by the English lay missionary William Duncan at Old Metlakatla, an abandoned settlement near Prince Rupert, B.C. Dundas acquired almost 80 Northwest Coast objects from Duncan, including crest helmets, rattles, and antler clubs, which remained in the Dundas family for several generations. In 2006, the Dundas collection was auctioned at Sotheby’s New York. Donald Ellis lead a number of private individuals and institutions who sought to repatriate these important works of Canadian cultural heritage. Donald Ellis Gallery was able to successfully acquire three dozen of the most important works in the sale. Today, the Tsimshian mask is part of the Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The present publication follows the remarkable history of the Dundas collection, celebrating its long-awaited return to Canada. 

Complemented by several essays by acclaimed scholars Steven Brown, Bill Holm, Alan Hoover, Sarah Milroy and William White.