Dance Ornament Item Number: 1767/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Wooden ornament in shape of a killer-whale fin with sea-bear's face painted at base. Cotton fringe attached to holes along the back edge. A face is carved on both sides, just above the base with painted red lips and nose, traces of blue-green paint around the face, and traces of black on eye brows. There are two rounded holes carved in the upper 'fin' area. Base of object carved down as if to fit in a slot. Two-ply thread as hair, possibly handmade cord of nettle fibre? Abalone shell inlay for eye and mouth.

History Of Use

Mounted on a dancer's back during ceremonial dances?

Narrative

The collector's notes - from his 1956 diary - had the following information: this piece was given to him by Fracis Watts, a village elder in Kincolith. Watts said it had belonged to his first wife -- from the Blackfish Clan in Klemtu (corresponding to the Frog Clan in Kincolith). He said it was mounted on a dancer's back during ceremonial dances and was meant to have human hair attached to it. The two holes were said to designate a chief of the clan.

Item History

What

Name
Dance Ornament
Identification Number
1767/4
Type of Item
ornament
Material
cedar wood ?, cotton fibre, paint and metal
Overall
height 50.0 cm, width 4.5 cm, depth 15.5 cm

Who

Culture
Nisga'a
Previous Owner
Dana Mullen, Francis Watts and Vernon W. Mullen
Received from
Vernon W. Mullen (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Klemtu, British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Kincolith, British Columbia, Canada and Gingolx, British Columbia, Canada

When

Collection Date
during 1956
Ownership Date
before 1956 and between 1956 and September 28, 1998
Acquisition Date
on September 28, 1998

Other

Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 17
Accession Number
1767/0004