NOO, THE SQUID

Reference:

Plateres Bigune 3. Haida.

This conventional representation bears slight resemblance
to the long tapered body of the squid familiar to most fishermen
of the Northwest Coast of British Columbia, who use it for bait.
The squid is about 10 inches in length when full grown. It is
a relative of the octopus and a species of giant squid which may
measure 10 feet is a favourite food of the sperm whales fre-
quenting the waters adjacent to Queen Charlotte Islands in the
summer season. Circular marks about the heads and mouths of
these whales are believed to be sucker marks left by these huge
squid in their attempts to free themselves from the jaws of
the whales. These suckers are given prominence in the above
conventional tattoo mark.

In writing on the subject of Moveable Masks and Figures"
R. B. Inverarity mentions in connection with the sources of
their colouring matter that brown was obtained from the squid
which was combined with salmon roe previously chewed, then col-
lected in a dish and mixed for use.

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