Dance Knife Item Number: A7831 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Warrior dance knife, or baton in the form of Sisiutl. Central front-facing head with two upward and outward curling horn-like appendages at the top and a profile head on either side, each of which has another upward and backward curling horn-like appendage at the top. Each profile head has a red tongue that protrudes outward at a slight upward angle. Painted black, red, and green.
History Of Use
Ceremonial knife of Hawinalalh, 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 like a wand by the war dancer. Could also have descended from the ceiling on invisible strings during the War Dance (M. Bronsden).
Item History
- Made by Charlie James (Maker) in Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada before 1900
- Collected during 1900
- Owned by B. H. Weare
- Owned by Lanning Family before June 1961
- Received from Lanning Family (Donor) during June 1961
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Charlie James (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- B. H. Weare and Lanning Family
- Received from
- Lanning Family (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1900
- Collection Date
- during 1900
- Ownership Date
- before June 1961
- Acquisition Date
- during June 1961
Other
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0058/0020