Mask | Chief Shakes'
Item number 2.5E604 from the The Burke: University of Washington.
Public
RRN ID
Item Records
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by The Burke: University of Washington. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Exhibit Label
The crests of Tlingit noble families and those of other northern Northwest Coast tribes are usually graphic representations of the creatures with which the ancestors interacted in the distant past. Perhaps the most important of these rare treasures is the Grizzly Bear mask of the Nanyaayi clan of the Stikine Wolf phratry. The Bear mask and skin costume were considered the clan's most noble relics and always were given a prominent place in the funeral displays of each succeeding holder of the Shakes title. The whole costume was worn on important potlatch occasions and at times, apparently, for pure entertainment. (Holm, Spirit and Ancestor, 1987)
Item History
- Received from Bill Holm
What
- Name
- Mask | Chief Shakes'
- Identification Number
- 2.5E604
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- bear skin, copper metal, iron metal, abalone shell, operculum, tooth and bear
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, inlaid and sewn
- Overall
- length 39.0 cm, height 27.7 cm, width 28.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- The Burke: University of Washington
Ask a question
Let the RRN community answer your questions
Public
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Shared Knowledge
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
Public
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account
Similar Items
