Xoots l'oo shádaa (Brown bear helmet)
ca. 1850
Early 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.
Spruce, opercula, bear teeth, skin, paint, abalone shell
Gift of John H. Hauberg
91.1.51
Provenance: J. J. Klejman, New York, New York, until 1967; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1967-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington
Photo: Paul Macapia