Skull rattles (Xawikw Yadan)
Dateca. 1890
Label TextThe skull-like imagery on these rattles reveals the death-and-rebirth aspect of initiation into the t’seka or Winter Ceremonial whereby acolytes are temporarily imbued with supernatural power then restored by attendants, who shake rattles to tame the wild behavior of the initiate. The subdued initiate is reborn with greater status, and connection to spiritual power.
Object number91.1.86.1
Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 222Credit LineGift of John H. Hauberg
MediumAlder wood, red cedar bark, paint
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw
ca. 1940
Object number: 91.1.13
Pair/Pair
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