Child's potlach vest. Small black sleeveless vest, open at the front, with a line of white triangular edging stitched along all hems, inside and out. On the back of the vest is a printed image of a wolf figure resting on a bentwood box, above the wording “Wakeman Sound”. Text arches over the image, in a variety of fonts: “Shaughnessy Memorial”, “Edward, Frederick and Doreen”, “October 28, 2006 Alert Bay BC”.

Gift of Barbara Christy Wagner.

Museum Purchase: Funds provided by an anonymous donor.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Museum Purchase: Funds from Native American Art Council.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

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.