Duct flute carved from a single piece of argillite, depicting a bird and human figures. British Columbia, Canada, Haida peoples, 19th century [900×1450]

[Museum](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/502682). Carved from a single piece of argillite with bone (ivory?) embellishments near the duct window and around the tone holes, this flute-like most argillite wares-was not meant to be functional. Three figures adorn the frontal plane of the flute. Two human figures, with hair extending the length of their backs, are depicted with limbs grasping the flute at the middle and bottom of the shaft. A bird figure, perhaps a hawk or a raven, with outstretched wings is positioned at the end nearest the duct. Form-line design elements are incorporated into the overall composition of the piece.

Indigenous art is so underappreciated.