Rattles & Masks Alaska State Museum ~ Juneau, Alaska
Southeast Alaska: Ceremony
Rattles
The sound of a rattle is a reminder that supernatural spirits are present during ceremonies. Raven rattles are intricately carved with a combination of human, frog, hawk, & other creatures.
Yeil Sheish 'oox Raven Rattle
Wranglell, Shtax'heen Kwaan, Tlingit.
Yeil Sheish oox Raven Rattle
By Archie Cavanaugh Jr.
(Tlingit), 2009.
Gift of the Rasmuson Foundation
Sa saa Rattle
Represent a Seabird, possible an Oystercather.
Haida Gwaii, Haida, circa late 19th c.
Ch'aak' sheish oox Eagle Rattle
By Leo Jacobs (Tlingit), Hanies.
Gift of Alaska Indian Arts.
Gaal Sheish oox
Clam Shell Rattle
By Jim Schoppert (Tlingit), 1992.
Yaak Sheish oox
Mussel Shell Rattle
By Jim Schoppert (Tlingit), 1992
Masks
Masks worn in ceremonies & dances to represent their crest & history. Masks can show animals clan crest, human faces, or supernatural beings-sometimes more than one-or depict the transformation of human into animal. Artist often painted them with symbolic clan designs & decorated them with human hair, inlays of copper or abalone shell, strands of cedar bark & other materials. In the past, shamans also used masks invoking their spirit helpers to help cure the sick.
Taan S'aaxw Sea Lion Hat
Tlingit or Haida, Late 19th c.
Humanoid/Frog Mask
By Wayne Price (Tlingit), 1980s
Sasm mpay Young Raven
Ny David R. Boxley (Tsimshian), 2015
The Spirit World of Shamns
Shamans were central to the indigenous cultures of the Northwest Coast. As valued intermediaries between humans & the spirit world, their activities included tending to the sick, foretelling the future, engaging enemy shamans, in combat, protecting clan members from witchcraft, & advising clan leaders in matters of vital importance.
A century ago, American missionary attempted to eliminate Native spiritual beliefs in favor of Christianity, & American officials charged with introducing modern medicine discredited or even jailed shaman. Today, Tlingit & Haida elders pay homage to the shamans & retain a great respect for the spirit world.
Dl'ooghudzees, Kaanaxh E'esh, Aanxhoodaas (Berner's Bay Jim), Wooshkeetaan clan, Toos'Hit (Shark House) of the Aak'w Kwaan.
Photo by Winter & Pond.
Rattles & Masks Alaska State Museum ~ Juneau, Alaska
Southeast Alaska: Ceremony
Rattles
The sound of a rattle is a reminder that supernatural spirits are present during ceremonies. Raven rattles are intricately carved with a combination of human, frog, hawk, & other creatures.
Yeil Sheish 'oox Raven Rattle
Wranglell, Shtax'heen Kwaan, Tlingit.
Yeil Sheish oox Raven Rattle
By Archie Cavanaugh Jr.
(Tlingit), 2009.
Gift of the Rasmuson Foundation
Sa saa Rattle
Represent a Seabird, possible an Oystercather.
Haida Gwaii, Haida, circa late 19th c.
Ch'aak' sheish oox Eagle Rattle
By Leo Jacobs (Tlingit), Hanies.
Gift of Alaska Indian Arts.
Gaal Sheish oox
Clam Shell Rattle
By Jim Schoppert (Tlingit), 1992.
Yaak Sheish oox
Mussel Shell Rattle
By Jim Schoppert (Tlingit), 1992
Masks
Masks worn in ceremonies & dances to represent their crest & history. Masks can show animals clan crest, human faces, or supernatural beings-sometimes more than one-or depict the transformation of human into animal. Artist often painted them with symbolic clan designs & decorated them with human hair, inlays of copper or abalone shell, strands of cedar bark & other materials. In the past, shamans also used masks invoking their spirit helpers to help cure the sick.
Taan S'aaxw Sea Lion Hat
Tlingit or Haida, Late 19th c.
Humanoid/Frog Mask
By Wayne Price (Tlingit), 1980s
Sasm mpay Young Raven
Ny David R. Boxley (Tsimshian), 2015
The Spirit World of Shamns
Shamans were central to the indigenous cultures of the Northwest Coast. As valued intermediaries between humans & the spirit world, their activities included tending to the sick, foretelling the future, engaging enemy shamans, in combat, protecting clan members from witchcraft, & advising clan leaders in matters of vital importance.
A century ago, American missionary attempted to eliminate Native spiritual beliefs in favor of Christianity, & American officials charged with introducing modern medicine discredited or even jailed shaman. Today, Tlingit & Haida elders pay homage to the shamans & retain a great respect for the spirit world.
Dl'ooghudzees, Kaanaxh E'esh, Aanxhoodaas (Berner's Bay Jim), Wooshkeetaan clan, Toos'Hit (Shark House) of the Aak'w Kwaan.
Photo by Winter & Pond.