Bracelet Item Number: Nb592 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Thin, silver bracelet with round hook fastening and engraved design. Across the front are two ravens in profile, facing each other.
History Of Use
Silverwork developed on the Northwest Coast after silver and gold coins were traded from Europeans. Coins were hammered and engraved, first with traditional crest designs, later with a variety of motifs. Bracelets were made both as wealth items and for sale.
Narrative
Collected by Barnabas Courtland Freeman between 1893 and 1903.
Iconographic Meaning
Probably represents Sisiutl, a two-headed sea-serpent. This supernatural being killed and eat the flesh of anyone who saw it. Washing in its blood turned a person to stone. Sisiutl is always portrayed with a face in the centre of its body. Where Sisiutl forms a circular design, another motif usually fills the centre space.
Cultural Context
worn on wrist
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1935
- Owned by Barnabas Cortland Freeman and Ida Freeman
- Owned by John E. Gibbard and I. Doreen Freeman before August 31, 1976
- Received from I. Doreen Freeman (Donor) and John E. Gibbard (Donor) on August 31, 1976
What
- Name
- Bracelet
- Identification Number
- Nb592
- Type of Item
- bracelet
- Material
- silver metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- hammered and engraved
- Overall
- height 0.5 cm, diameter 6.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Northwest Coast
- Previous Owner
- Barnabas Cortland Freeman, Ida Freeman, John E. Gibbard and I. Doreen Freeman
- Received from
- I. Doreen Freeman (Donor) and John E. Gibbard (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1935
- Ownership Date
- before August 31, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on August 31, 1976
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 42
- Accession Number
- 0320/0043