Dance Ornament

Item number 1767/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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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.