This is one of a pair of wolf (?) masks (see 08.491.8905b). Both are constructed of wood pieces nailed together to make flat sided, flat ended forms with painted faces. The two masks generally resemble each other; however, there are construction differences between them and the painted forms on each mask differ. Both have openwork frets along the top and cut out teeth. Remnants of cedar bark hair are inside the top frets on each mask. Both have ovoid eyes; however, one mask's eye area is infilled with black dots and the other's has solid red infill. A long, thick curved eyebrow arches over each eye on both masks; however, nostrils differ: one has nostrils with black over red painted geometric forms; the other has black painted swirled nostrils. There is uncertainty whether the pair represent wolves or serpents. They might be serpents for if the objects were wolves, they most likely would have no ears. The object (08.491.8905a) appears to be structurally stable except for the fabric attached at the front under the jaw. Also, the split cane bundles that represent fur (?) are dried and brittle. The proper left side of the mask appears to have been repainted. The mask is properly worn on the top of the head with the face forward.

Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund

This set, made from materials found and growing around Clear Lake was used by hunters in balsa boats for killing waterfowl. The birds would have been secured by throwing stones with this type of sling or snared. The basket with the clay balls was commissioned by Stewart Culin. Almost all of these utility baskets are similar to this, fairly coarse and quickly woven. The basket is filled with shredded tule and the balls are laid out on this when stored in the canoe. While the balls are not fired in a kiln there is some plant matter mixed with the clay and they are sun baked. See also 08.491.8581.

Large stone bear or mountain lion with inlaid turquoise eyes and painted zig zag mouth.

Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund

Museum Expedition 1905, Museum Collection Fund

(Center right in photo) This bulbous formed mole has painted eyes and a hide tail.

Museum Expedition 1905, Museum Collection Fund

Henry L. Batterman Fund and the Frank Sherman Benson Fund

Henry L. Batterman Fund and the Frank Sherman Benson Fund