Dance Knife Item Number: A5265 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Warrior dance knife, or baton in the form of Sisiutl. Has a central frontal head and a profile head on either side. Painted on both sides in colours of red, green, black, and white.
History Of Use
Assistant to Winalagilis, the war spirit, this mythological creature was dangerous, powerful, and impervious to human weaponry. Sisiutl always appears with two serpent-like heads at each end of the body, which is represented by a face. Carried as a wand by the War dancer. Could also have descended from the ceiling on invisible strings during the War Dance (M. Bronsden).
Iconographic Meaning
Sisiutl was a double-headed serpent, sometimes called the lightning snake, which featured largely in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology and ceremonial life. The image of Sisiutl often appears on headdresses, belts, dishes, and other ritual objects.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before 1972
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during 1972
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0160/0017