was originally composed of deer hide or sheep skin stretched ac-
ross the opening. The chest, which measures 26 inches by 16 by
31, was made from cedar planking steamed and bent to form the
desired dimensions, the fourth corner and the bottom being pegged
securely with carefully concealed wooden pegs. (For description
of the process see Ravenhill, 1938, p. 48).

According to the Haida tradition the Finback Whale was once
a land animal and being too eager to swim in the sea was carried
too far out by the tide to have strength to regain the shore.
His hair was worn off by the action of the water; his feet were

devoured by dog fish. Thus he was compelled to become a whale
and live in the sea.

He was greatly venerated for the sake of those lost at sea
because their spirits were supposed to enter his body and were
thus able to rove for ever in the sea they loved.