Spirit Dance Belt
Item number A8751 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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Description
Woven belt with geometric design in red on white. Fringed ends in white and red.
History Of Use
Sto:lo Elders identified this as a spirit dance sash that is worn around the waist of a dancer during winter ceremonies. It is one part of a uniform worn by the dancer on such occassions. Anthropologist Pamela Amoss notes that uniforms reflect the type of spirit seen by the dancer in his/her vision. She also observed that the costumes worn in British Columbia were generally more colourful than those worn by dancers in Washington State.
Cultural Context
spirit dancing; guardian spirit complex; ceremonial; weaving
Narrative
Dr. Raley, the presumed collector of this belt, was Principal at the Coqualeetza residential school in Sardis BC. His catalogue listed this piece as a tumpline. Since this sash is of the type worn by Coast Salish spirit dancers it is possible the piece was collected near Sardis. Not for display.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1934
- Collected in Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada between 1893 and 1934
- Owned by George H. Raley before November 1948
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George H. Raley (Seller) during November 1948
What
- Name
- Spirit Dance Belt
- Identification Number
- A8751
- Type of Item
- belt
- Material
- dye and wool fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- dyed and woven
- Overall
- height 4.0 yd
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Sto:lo
- Previous Owner
- George H. Raley
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George H. Raley (Seller)
When
- Creation Date
- before 1934
- Collection Date
- between 1893 and 1934
- Ownership Date
- before November 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1948
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Accession Number
- 1960 ?
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