A FINE TLINGIT FRONTLET

Details

A FINE TLINGIT FRONTLET
Of rectangular form with red and black pigment against a dark green ground in high relief, a central raven with elongated red beak, round eyes inlaid with abalone, arched black brows, abalone inlaid at top and sides, claws resting on brows of grotesque head below with broad open mouth containing three heads between the eyes a red disk shape indented at center, brows and eyes with abalone inlays
8in. (23cm.) high

Provenance

The Edward Malin Collection

Lot Essay

This unusual frontlet may represent raven surmounting the head of the sea monster Gonakadet who was known to bring great wealth to those to whom he appeared (see Waterman, 1925, p. 450). The tacks that are still in place around the red form in the center may have originally held a copper disk as a symbol of wealth.