Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

Polychrome wood "copper". Ceremonial shields called “coppers" were highly-prized emblems of wealth among the Northwest Coast peoples, and were both traded and displayed during potlatches, ceremonial gatherings. The wooden grave marker in a copper form is a reference to the affluence and importance of the individual. One half of its top section is missing. On the remaining section one half of a bird's face is visible. On the lower portion, divided by a central vertical line, bird wings are visible.

This Kachina may represent the one of the Hemushikwe who appear on the last day of the Shalako performances when the Shalako was traditionally given by the Muhewa Kiva.There are six of these impersonators, one for each kiva. The colors and symbols used in the tablita, or headdress, relate to the sky or sky elements. The body has earth elements. The mask may change but always contains symbols and colors that relate to clouds and from where the rain comes.

Mud Head (Koyemshi) Kachina Doll. The figure is carved totally from one piece of wood. He wears a black skirt and carries a rattle in his PR hand and ears of corn dangle from his PL hand. He wears a green bandanna around his neck. The painted boot moccasins have silver and turquoise ornaments on them. The Mud Head's role during dances consist of a group of 9 of them clowning around, using the audience for their jokes, often lewd behavior and comic relief but with the underlying message that their behavior is totally improper and such antics are not what is to be done.

(Photo lower left) Roughly modeled buffalo with slight indications for his hair, rough under his chin, paint traces down his forehead and hide for ears and tail.

Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

The arms of this Kachina doll are articulated. Its boots are painted on. It wears a ringlet of plant fiber as a headdress with feathers in the back and a painted skirt and sash. Wool yarn is tied around his wrists and calves.

Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund

Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund

A polychrome figure (bulto) of Saint Joseph set on a thick wooden base in a frontal pose with one foot in front of the other. He is dressed in a black short-sleeve robe with a red V-neck collar. A yellow cape with a step-shaped border is draped diagonally over the figure's torso. The skin has a yellow pallor and the eyes are painted white with large black pupils. Three floral motifs are painted on the front of the base. Smaller three-pronged motifs embellish the top surface. There is overall gesso and paint loss on the piece and fabric can be seen under the gesso on the back and sides of the base and cape. The entire left forearm has been broken and is missing.