Spirit Dance Wand Item Number: A6884 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Flat, carved wooden stick decorated with seven bands painted in red ochre. Wooden object tapers to a point at both ends.

History Of Use

Collectors note states that this is a stick to hang up headdress A6886. It originated on the Koksilah reserve, where it was used by its owner in the warrior dance. The sharp end of the stick was stuck into the wall of the dance house and the human hair headdress was hung upon it. This was done just before he was ready to dance. The dancer does not handle the headdress, but a brother or close relative brings it to the dance house. When it is time for the dancer to sing his song, the brother takes it down and places it on the head of the dancer. When the song is done the brother places the headdress back on the stick, where it stayed until all of the dancing was finished.

Cultural Context

ceremonial; winter dances

Item History

What

Name
Spirit Dance Wand
Identification Number
A6884
Type of Item
wand
Material
wood and ochre pigment
Manufacturing Technique
carved and painted
Overall
height 47.0 cm, width 3.0 cm, depth 1.5 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
Previous Owner
Alex Johnny and Robert H. Nichols
Received from
Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Robert H. Nichols (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Koksilah, British Columbia, Canada

When

Ownership Date
before June 1958
Acquisition Date
during June 1958

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
2073/0005