Rectangular coiled basket (bifurcated stitches) with foot and attached convex lid (part b), with metal knob and fibre at top. Parallel slat base construction. Imbricated design of parallel vertical bands of alternating dark cherry bark and grass, three sections on long side and one on short. Rawhide closure at front and two hinges at back. Top of lid is beaded with red cherry bark and grass. Rim of lid is beaded in grass in checkerboard pattern, with side including red cherry bark. Cedar root slat foundation with coiled elements of cedar root; imbrication in red and black cherry bark and bullrush; rawhide hinges and loop; lead button; string handle on top.

Harpoon. Part a is a partial wooden shaft that curves slightly along its length, with a squared base at bottom. Head is carved of walrus tusk and tapers to a point, with carved rings at neck, attached to the shaft with hide ties. Part b is the bottom element of the shaft, also made of wood, straight and slightly squared along the length and tapering at butt. Top has an inset square of tusk, with several short hide ties piercing the wood just below. Several small holes are bored into the shaft of parts a and b, some with nubs of tusk emerging. A necessary piece connecting parts a and b is missing.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

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.

Gift of Mrs. E.W. St. Pierre.

Museum Purchase: Indian Collection Subscription Fund, Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art.