Necklace

NA3226

From: Alaska

Curatorial Section: American

View All (18) Object Images

Object Number NA3226
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Tlingit
Provenience Alaska
Culture Area Northwest Coast Culture Area
Section American
Materials Stone | Ivory | Metal | Shell | Antler | Hide | Claw
Description

A shaman's necklace would typically be composed of materials that represent the shaman's helping spirits and could cure illnesses when applied to patients' bodies. This necklace likely includes items obtained through long-distance trade networks. An ivory bird and a carved ivory toggle were likely obtained from Eskimos. A metal bird may have come from Siberia. A shell carved to resemble a frog may have come from the Southwest United States. Additionally, a hide pouch, a carved antler, an animal claw, and an uncarved shell are attached. (Kaplan and Barsness, 1986 p. 197)

Length 32 cm
Width 14 cm
Credit Line Museum Purchase, 1915
Other Number G561 - Gordon Number

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