The crests of Tlingit noble families and those of other northern Northwest Coast tribes are usually graphic representations of the creatures with which the ancestors interacted in the distant past. Perhaps the most important of these rare treasures is the Grizzly Bear mask of the Nanyaayi clan of the Stikine Wolf phratry. The Bear mask and skin costume were considered the clan's most noble relics and always were given a prominent place in the funeral displays of each succeeding holder of the Shakes title. The whole costume was worn on important potlatch occasions and at times, apparently, for pure entertainment. (Holm, Spirit and Ancestor, 1987)

The tooth is brown bear.

SHAMANIC REGALIA IN THE FAR NORTH. ANAWALT, PATRICIA RIEFF, 2014, Publisher: THAMES AND HUDSON TANGIBLE VISIONS. WARDWELL, ALLEN, 1996 FROM THE LAND OF THE TOTEM POLES. JONAITIS, ALDONA, 1988

TANGIBLE VISIONS. WARDWELL, ALLEN, 1996 SPIRITS LIKE THE SOUND OF THE RATTLE AND DRUM: GEORGE THORNTON EMMONS' COLLECTION OF TLINGIT SHAMANS' KITS. ILIFF, BARBARA ELIZABETH DISSERTATION, 1994 OBJECTS OF BRIGHT PRIDE: NORTHWEST COAST INDIAN ART FROM THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.FIRST EDITION. WARDWELL, ALLEN EXHIBITION CATALOG, 1978, Publisher: THE CENTER FOR INTER-AMERICAN RELATIONS AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF THE ARTS OBJECTS OF BRIGHT PRIDE: SECOND EDITION. WARDWELL, ALLEN EXHIBITION CATALOG, 1978