Headdress

Shaman's headdress entitled "Wandering Killer Whale," a characteristic object owned by the northern division of the Tae-quedi (Teqweidi) clan. Carved wood in the shape of a killer whale head with fins made from walrus hide. The whale's head is painted green, black, white, and red with abalone shell inlay for the eyes, nostrils, and at the tips of the ears. Six pieces of abalone shell inlay are also arranged diagonally across the forehead. The mouth is slightly open with lips painted black and upper and lower teeth made from white shells. The ears have tufts of hair inserted along the tops and backs. The walrus hide fins attached at the sides are painted with black designs of faces. Thick, hide bands help form the frame of the headdress along with hide straps used to affix the headdress to the wearer's head. Top-stock of five spruce root basketry rings with an ermine pelt attached to the top ring. The basketry rings are attached to one another and to the hat with leather straps.