This object was catalogued in the Anthropology catalogue ledger book as Tlingit, Cook's Strait, Alaska. However, written on part of the object in Swan's hand is this information: "Thunder Bird Headdress made and worn by Aitl yu [??] Clyokwat Chief. Vancouver Island, B.C. - James G. Swan, Port Townsend, W.T. Sep. 8 1881." Also, an old tag on the artifact identifies it as "Nootka headdress for Hokoala. Ring of red wool in place of red cedar bark." It is unclear from records if E46496 and 46497 are related objects?

From card: "Carved in low relief in front painted on front, sides, and ends. Top adorned with shell. The figure represents the mythical sea spirit Kome Ko-tale, believed to be larger than the whale and bringing good fortune to anyone who saw it. A great favorite with Haidas and Tsimpsheans, often imitated in their carvings. Painted black, red, and green; lid inlaid with opercula; kerfed, sewn and pegged. From: page 80, Boxes and Bowls catalog; Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Press; 1974. Object illus. on same page, and following page. Chest. Wood; carved in relief; painted black, red, and green; lid inlaid with opercula; kerfed, sewn, pegged, and nailed. Length: 34 1/2 [inches]. Tlingit, (Alaska.) "Mythical sea-spirit.""In accession file 41512 Emmons identifies this as Kar-qwan-ton clan. See also accession file for Accession 41221, which contains information about objects from several Emmons accessions. It may contain information about box # E221182? Box # E221182 may be the object referred in Emmons' letter of 17 June 1903 where he indicates: "There is a very handsomely carved and painted chest about the size of a small trunk at Sitka [for sale for] $75.00."

FROM CARD: "A DOUBLE FIGURE - HUMAN ON ONE SIDE, BIRD ON REVERSE. LATTER OF WHICH IS PROBABLY A CORMORANT. THIS FIGURE WAS COPIED FOR COMMERCIAL SALE BY THE ALVA STUDIOS 1960."