Though the tribes of the Northwest Coast are often though of as great fishers of salmon, this plaque depicts a different species. The fish in the carving is a Rockfish, also called the Pacific Ocean Perch. Growing up to 40 pounds and having a slightly sweet taste, the Rockfish was the salmon’s less oily counterpart.
The high oil content of the salmon was an important dietary supplement for the natives of the northern Pacific Coast. Conversely, the low oil content of the rockfish was equally important because it was easier to preserve. It was also available all year, making it an important food source until the salmon returned in the fall.
