Belt Item Number: A2510 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Dance belt. Consists of central wooden plaque (part a), slightly concave, and two separate flat pieces that sit on the right (part b) and on the left (part c). Central portion is frontal face with clenched teeth and bulging eyes. Sides pieces are carved with serpent-like heads with protruding tongues, seen in profile. Pieces may originally have been joined with cloth strips. Metal loops on the back of each panel for hanging.

History Of Use

Warrior dance belt.

Iconographic Meaning

Sisiutl was a double-headed serpent, or lightning snake who was an assistant of Winalagalis, the War Spirit. Sisiutl figured largely in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology and ceremonial life.

Item History

What

Name
Belt
Identification Number
A2510 a-c
Type of Item
belt
Material
wood, paint and metal
Manufacturing Technique
carved and painted
Part A
height 26.0 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 4.0 cm
Part B
height 27.0 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 3.0 cm
Part C
height 28.0 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 3.5 cm

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Previous Owner
Walter C. Koerner
Received from
Walter C. Koerner (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada

When

Ownership Date
before April 8, 1976
Acquisition Date
on April 8, 1976

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
0336/0121 a-c