Skull Representation Item Number: Nb3.1337 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Skull with red painted hair, black eyebrows, red cheeks, nose and mouth. There are three black teeth and two plain. The eyes are completely hollow. There is a hole through the top of the head, to back. The following is written on the back: "10.00."
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.
ceremonial