Skull Representation Item Number: Nb3.1439 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved skull with hollowed eyes, now plugged. There are red circles around eyes, cheeks, nostrils and teeth. There is a black beard, a hole through the top of the head with a cord of fibrous material. Inscription written on back.
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.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1979
- Collected in Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Ukwanalis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Charles E. Borden before March 5, 1979
- Received from Charles E. Borden (Donor) on March 5, 1979
What
- Name
- Skull Representation
- Identification Number
- Nb3.1439
- Type of Item
- representation
- Material
- paint and cedar wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 4.2 cm, width 10.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Charles E. Borden
- Received from
- Charles E. Borden (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Ukwanalis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1979
- Ownership Date
- before March 5, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on March 5, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 35
- Accession Number
- 0515/0039