Knife Item Number: A8107 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden carved dance knife, painted brown. Carved with a hilt and disc shape finial on the end of the handle. The blade widens in the centre then narrows to a point.
History Of Use
In his description of Coast Salish games of dexterity and strength, Elmendorf notes that: "Men of the same village danced the war dance at intercommunity potlatches, particularly when arriving as guests. The dance consisted of leaping in the air, making stabbing motions with a wooden knife held in each hand and shouting. Usually, although not necessarily, the dance was led by a professional warrior (1960:231)."
Cultural Context
potlatch; ceremonial
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada between 1950 and 1962
- Owned by Solwheymault Family
- Owned by Edith Bevan Cross before July 30, 1962
- Received from Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on July 30, 1962
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
- Previous Owner
- Solwheymault Family and Edith Bevan Cross
- Received from
- Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- between 1950 and 1962
- Ownership Date
- before July 30, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on July 30, 1962
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 7
- Accession Number
- 0081/0038