Spirit Dance Belt Item Number: A1460 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Hand woven strap with braided ends. Decorated with a bar and checker design in white and green.
History Of Use
Woven belts, like this one, are worn by spirit dancers as part of their uniform. Anthropologist Pamela Amoss notes that uniforms reflect the type of spirit seen by the dancer in his/her vision. She also observed that the costumes worn in British Columbia were generally more colourful than those worn by dancers in Washington State.
Cultural Context
weaving; spirit dancing; guardian spirit complex; ceremonial
Narrative
Dr. Raley, the collector of this belt, was Principal at the Coqualeetza residential school in Sardis BC. His catalogue listed this piece as a tumpline (strap for baskets). Since this sash is of the type worn by Coast Salish spirit dancers it is possible the piece was collected near Sardis. It is not for display.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1934
- Collected in Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada between 1893 and 1934
- Owned by George Henry Raley before November 1948
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller) during November 1948
What
- Name
- Spirit Dance Belt
- Identification Number
- A1460
- Type of Item
- belt
- Material
- nettle fibre ? and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven
- Overall
- height 65.0 in
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Sto:lo
- Previous Owner
- George Henry Raley
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1934
- Collection Date
- between 1893 and 1934
- Ownership Date
- before November 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1948
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Accession Number
- 1960/0026