Science Pub: Halibut Hooks of the Northwest Coast

The traditional carved Northwest Coast (NWC) halibut hook is a strong, serviceable fishing technology, and an artifact that defies simplistic categorization. It holds many meanings and values for Alaska Native and First Nations peoples—values relating to Indigenous livelihoods, mythology, environmental concerns, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and evolving artistic traditions. In this talk, anthropology Ph.D. candidate Jonathan Malindine will share the colorful nuances and multiple functions of this important NWC cultural object.

Jonathan Malindine serves as NAGPRA officer for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, in charge of repatriating and returning human remains (for reburial) to Indian tribes across the country. He holds a master’s degree in cultural anthropology and is currently finalizing his dissertation through UCSB. Malindine trained in museum anthropology at the Smithsonian Institution, has worked with over 100 tribes, and has developed especially deep relationships with Northwest Coast tribes in Alaska and Washington State.

Join the Museum’s fun and friendly conversation and quench your thirst for knowledge about science and nature in this ongoing series of free science talks held on the second Monday of every month. No tickets or reservations required but be sure to get to Dargan’s (18 E. Ortega St. in downtown Santa Barbara) early to secure a seat and order your favorite food and drink.

For more information, contact Jessica Prichard at jprichard@sbnature2.org.

Pictured: “Devil Fish Halibut Hook” by Arthur B. Nelson, 2012. Photo courtesy of Kathy Dye, Sealaska Heritage Institute. Reproduced with the artist’s permission.