Frontlet Headdress Item Number: 89.52.16 from the Portland Art Museum
Description
During the nineteenth century, frontlet headdresses became the principal style of ceremonial headdress throughout the Northwest Coast. They were worn by high-ranking individuals who shook bird down out of the crown of the headdress as they danced, causing it to drift and swirl around both dancer and audience. These headdresses usually incorporate a carved wooden plaque that represents a crest animal or mythical being; Bella Coola examples are often deeply carved to represent birds. Inlaid pieces of abalone shell framing the plaque are meant to sparkle dramatically as the wearer of the headdress moves. This frontlet headdress is topped with a crown of sea lion whiskers and finished with rows of ermine skins trailing off the back.
Collection History Provenance
The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.
Item History
- Made during 1875
What
Who
- Culture
- Bella Coola (Nuxalk)
- Creator
- “unknown Bella Coola artist” ?
Where
- Holding Institution
- Portland Art Museum
When
- Creation Date
- during 1875
Other
- Categories
- Northwest Coast; Ceremonial and Ritual Objects