Killer whale helmet

NA8503

From: United States of America | Alaska | Sitka

Curatorial Section: American

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Object Title Killer whale helmet
Object Number NA8503
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Tlingit | L’uknaxh.ádi Clan | Sitka L’uknaxh.ádi Clan | Sea Lion House
Provenience United States of America | Alaska | Sitka
Culture Area Northwest Coast Culture Area
Section American
Materials Wood | Pigment | Hide
Description

Killer whale helmet carved from one piece of wood. The conical hat base is painted with a skeletonized animal design, possibly a wolf or sea lion, in black and green. The animal has eyes two-clawed hands and thin, dual pronged ears. Apart from the animal design, most of the exterior is unpainted save for red paint on the flat top. Atop the helmet, a killer whale crest is attached with the face of a killer whale carved into the lower end. The middle has a hole carved which identifies the whale. The crest is painted red, green, and black. Animal hide straps are attached to the interior to affix the helmet to the wearer's head.

Credit Line Wanamaker Expedition to the Northwest Coast; Louis Shotridge, 1918
Other Number HT6 - Collector Number

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