Shakee.át Headdress Frontlet Item Number: 48.3.440 from the Portland Art Museum
Description
Distinct ornaments in this style are often called chief's headdresses because only persons of high status customarily wear them. In particular, the heads of noble houses giving potlatches are frequently seen in such garb during welcoming dances and speeches. Before use in a dance, the hollow center of the headdress is filled with bits of eagle down, which scatter about as the wearer moves, symbolizing goodwill toward his guests.
Collection History Provenance
Museum Purchase: Indian Collection Subscription Fund, Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art. Collected: Axel Rasmussen
Item History
- Made by Tlingit artist in Ketchikan, Alaska, USA during 1875
What
- Name
- Shakee.át Headdress Frontlet
- Identification Number
- 48.3.440
- Type of Item
- headwear
- Material
- copper metal, whale bone, abalone shell, feather, sea lion whisker, ermine skin and cloth
- Overall
- height 6.625 in, width 6.0 in, depth 6.625 in
Who
- Culture
- Tlingit
- Creator
- Tlingit artist
Where
- Holding Institution
- Portland Art Museum
- Made in
- Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 1875
Other
- Categories
- Northwest Coast; Ceremonial and Ritual Objects