Frontlet Headdress
unknown Bella Coola artist, Frontlet Headdress, ca. 1880, wood, fabric, and skin, The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection, no known copyright restrictions, 89.52.16
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Frontlet Headdress
- Artist
- Date
ca. 1880
- Medium
wood, fabric, and skin
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
70 in x 21 in x 19 in
- Collection Area
Native American Art
- Category
Northwest Coast
Ceremonial and Ritual Objects
- Object Type
frontlet
- Cultural Group
Bella Coola
Nuxalk
- Credit Line
The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection
- Accession Number
89.52.16
- Copyright
no known copyright restrictions
- Terms
Northwest Coast Native American styles
During the nineteenth century, frontlet headdresses became the principal style of ceremonial headdress throughout the Northwest Coast. They were worn by high-ranking individuals who shook bird down out of the crown of the headdress as they danced, causing it to drift and swirl around both dancer and audience. These headdresses usually incorporate a carved wooden plaque that represents a crest animal or mythical being; Bella Coola examples are often deeply carved to represent birds. Inlaid pieces of abalone shell framing the plaque are meant to sparkle dramatically as the wearer of the headdress moves. This frontlet headdress is topped with a crown of sea lion whiskers and finished with rows of ermine skins trailing off the back.
