Museum Expedition 1905, Museum Collection Fund

This blanket is very early and possibly Tshimshin in origin. Ceremonial blanket with black, blue, yellow and white design probably the "Diving Whale." The head of the whale with his nostrils is at the bottom, the center face is his body with his 'spirit' inside it, the tail flukes are spread out on lower section also with eyes inside. The front flukes flank the head.The side panels (not shown in photograph) are probably a young raven. Although very worn this is a very finely woven, old robe with no commercial elements in it. There is an artist signature in the weaving by the side fringe. This is possibly the same robe depicted in G.T Emmons, "The Chilkat Blanket," AMNH Memoirs, Vo. 111. part 1V, fig. 568B. Source for design and weaving information, Cheryl Samuels, "The Chilkat Blanket," Pacific Search Press, Seattle, 1982. See also her dedication page where signature of weaver is given , appears to be the same as this blanket.

This spoon is carved in two pieces. The handle is carved, the bowl is plain. Detail description follows: The design begins at the tip of the handle with a segmented cone (possibly representing the rank symbol for the figure below). This cone rests upon the head of a long, thin, standing figure with large, down-slanted eyes and a protruding tongue held with the hands. The figure stands upon a section of a cylinder of four, elaborated rectangles carved on the side. Below this is an animal head with a long beak-like nose that curls down towards the mouth. The head might represent a hawk. In the open mouth of this head a double row of teeth is clearly indicated. Condition: good.

Large carved handle spoon. Figures on handle have inset abalone shell eyes.

This short spoon is carved from one piece. The handle has one head wearing a multiple ringed shaman's hat.

This spoon is carved from two pieces of horn. The handle is rounded with a pointed end. Figures carved into the handle are shallow.

This spoon is carved from two pieces of horn. The handle has several interlocking figures and ends in a point.