Skull Representation Item Number: A2481 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Ornament in the shape of a flattened skull, carved and painted on both sides. The eye holes pierce through the wood, and the mouth is carved in a zigzag tooth pattern. The mouth and chin are painted red, and the remainder of the skull is painted white. There is a hole bored through chin, and one through top of head through which is tied to attach some shreds of cedar bark. There are also a few shreds of cedar bark in the chin hole.
History Of Use
Wooden skulls are used in Hamatsa ceremonies by initiates. They were used to adorn headdresses, masks, head rings and rattles. They were also used to adorn head and neck rings of ghost dancers associated with Winalagalis war spirits. The number of skulls displayed in Hamatsa rituals indicated the number times the dancer danced as a Hamatsa.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before April 8, 1976
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on April 8, 1976
What
- Name
- Skull Representation
- Identification Number
- A2481
- Type of Item
- representation
- Material
- wood, paint, cotton fibre, cedar bark and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 14.5 cm, width 10.3 cm, depth 1.3 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
- Current Location
- Case 35
- Accession Number
- 0336/0024