Killer whale helmet
NA8503
From: United States of America | Alaska | Sitka
Curatorial Section: American
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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