Whaler's Hat Item Number: Nb11.336 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Conical hat (no liner) with knob at crown; wrapped twine cedar warp over 3-corner grass horizontal weft; inner weft of swamp grass. Purple-black dyed cedar decoration with three rows of checkerboard at bottom (rows 3-5). On main brim of hat are two horizontal bands with a whaler, holding a harpoon, standing in a canoe with a whale to the right. Above each canoe is a line with three diagonal spurs along top of line and at widest point of knob are three checkerboard rows. Twining varies in element size with wider elements in four rows around centre, at brim, below meander and on knob. Inside is cedar slat head band with evenly spaced, wide, vertical grass supports worked into the basketry at top of band and ending in two rows of twine at bottom.
History Of Use
Whaling hats were worn only by chiefs and have considerable antiquity on the west coast. A whaling hat dating to 2,500 years ago was found at Ozette, in Makah territory. Whaling scenes on this type of hat may also have considerable time depth since they were noted by Cook's expedition in the 18th century.
Iconographic Meaning
Whaling was a prestigious activity which traditionally had considerable economic importance and was undertaken only by nobles.
Cultural Context
status; contemporary art
Item History
- Made in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada before 1984
- Owned by Museum of Anthropology Shop before October 10, 1984
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on October 10, 1984
What
- Name
- Whaler's Hat
- Identification Number
- Nb11.336
- Type of Item
- hat
- Material
- grass, cedar root, cedar bark and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- wrapped twined
- Overall
- height 21.1 cm, diameter 24.6 cm
Who
- Culture
- Nuu-chah-nulth
- Previous Owner
- Museum of Anthropology Shop
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1984
- Ownership Date
- before October 10, 1984
- Acquisition Date
- on October 10, 1984
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0996/0001