Killer Whale War Helmet

Helmet entitled "Killer Whale." Carved from one piece of wood with a killer whale face in high relief over a conical hat base. Painted green, black, and red. The whale's face includes abalone shell inlay for the eyes and nostrils. The mouth is open and lips are painted black. The lower third of the hat is carved in low relief with concentric diamonds all over. The back of the helmet has a carving of an octopus or devilfish in low relief. Tufts of brown hair are attached at the lower back edge of the hat around a face below the octopus. Low relief carvings along the sides are painted red and have abalone shell inlay and the tentacles of the octopus reach from the back of the helmet to the killer whale's head. Atop the helmet, a killer whale crest is attached with the face of a killer whale carved into the lower end. The middle has a hole carved which identifies the whale. Paints used mirror the rest of the helmet. Hair fringe is attached along the back of the crest. Animal hide straps are attached to the interior to affix the helmet to the wearer's head.