Xoots l'oo shádaa (Brown bear helmet)
Dateca. 1850
Maker
Native American
Tlingit
Label TextEarly Europeans who encountered the Tlingits were awed by the elaborate armor worn by warriors, including the decorated helmets carved from burl wood. This one was originally fitted with a “collar” of wood that, when worn with the helmet, left only the eyes of the wearer exposed. Oral traditions place this helmet at the Battle of Sitka in 1802, a temporary Tlingits’ victory over the Russians.
Object number91.1.51
ProvenanceJ. J. Klejman, New York, New York, until 1967; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1967-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington
Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia
Exhibition HistoryBellingham, Washington, Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Arts of a Vanished Era, June 12 - October 31, 1968Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 38
Published References: Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Arts of a Vanished Era, Bellingham, Washington, p.34, 1968Credit LineGift of John H. Hauberg
DimensionsDiam.: 13 in.
MediumSpruce, opercula, bear teeth, skin, paint, abalone shell
Kaigani Haida
late 19th century
Object number: 83.238
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