Whaler's Hat Item Number: Nb11.336 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Conical hat (no liner) with knob at crown; wrapped twine cedar warp over grass horizontal weft. Purple-black dyed cedar decoration with three rows of checkerboard at bottom (rows 3-5). On main brim of hat are two horizontal bands with a whaler, holding a harpoon, standing in a canoe with a whale to the right. Above each canoe is a line with three diagonal spurs along top of line and at widest point of knob are three checkerboard rows. Twining varies in element size with wider elements in four rows around centre, at brim, below meander and on knob. Inside is cedar slat head band with evenly spaced, wide, vertical grass supports worked into the basketry at top of band and ending in two rows of twine at bottom.

History Of Use

Whaling hats were worn only by chiefs and have considerable antiquity on the west coast. A whaling hat dating to 2,500 years ago was found at Ozette, in Makah territory. Whaling scenes on this type of hat may also have considerable time depth since they were noted by Cook's expedition in the 18th century.

Iconographic Meaning

Whaling was a prestigious activity which traditionally had considerable economic importance and was undertaken only by nobles.

Cultural Context

status; contemporary art

Item History

What

Name
Whaler's Hat
Identification Number
Nb11.336
Type of Item
hat
Material
dye, cedar root and cedar bark
Manufacturing Technique
wrapped twined
Overall
height 21.1 cm, diameter 24.6 cm

Who

Culture
Nuu-chah-nulth
Previous Owner
Museum of Anthropology Shop
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Shop (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)

Where

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

When

Creation Date
before 1984
Ownership Date
before October 10, 1984
Acquisition Date
on October 10, 1984

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
good
Accession Number
0996/0001