About
Hunting Trophies
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, displaying hunting trophies was common practice. The trophies were symbols of wealth, social status, traditional masculinity, and a connection to the “wild.” Typically, these mounted animal heads, antlers, and hides were displayed in homes, clubs, museums – and, apparently, in some boarding school public areas.
In Shawnigan’s early days, it was common to find hunting trophies hung as decoration. They were donated over a period of many years by parents and friends of the School and included the heads of buffalo, moose, and deer, and the antlers of elk, antelope, and kudu. They hung in the Main Building foyer and in the Big School room, remaining in that space after it was converted to the School library. (See this Big School write-up for an interesting use of the hunting trophies.)
We acknowledge that displaying animal “trophies” is controversial – a practice that has both strong supporters and opponents. As time wore on at Shawnigan, these animal heads and antlers seemed to be symbols of a bygone era, not compatible with current attitudes, and therefore were removed and stored while the School considered what to do with them.
Most of these “trophies” have survived over this long period of time as part of the School’s history, remembered by some with nostalgia. For instance, one of the first questions asked by an alumnus recently returning to the School was, “Where’s the buffalo?” It was decided that the biology lab would be an appropriate place to display them. They remain there today, and the biology teacher has received positive feedback from students, alumni, and visitors alike.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge that displaying animal “trophies” is controversial – a practice that has both strong supporters and opponents. As time wore on at Shawnigan, these animal heads and antlers seemed to be symbols of a bygone era, not compatible with current attitudes, and therefore were removed and stored while the School considered what to do with them.
Most of these “trophies” have survived over this long period of time as part of the School’s history, remembered by some with nostalgia. For instance, one of the first questions asked by an alumnus recently returning to the School was, “Where’s the buffalo?” It was decided that the biology lab would be an appropriate place to display them. They remain there today, and the biology teacher has received positive feedback from students, alumni, and visitors alike.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
