U'mista Cultural Society

The Potlatch Gallery

Image of the south side of the Potlatch Gallery showing a collection of potlatch regalia mounted against the wall. Image of the south-west corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a group of masks. Image shows a darkened corner of the Potlatch Gallery with a group of Numaml masks on the left. View of the North wall corner towards the centre and south wall of the Potlatch Gallery.

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Beaver Frontlet

Alternate colour photograph of Yaxwiwe' Beaver Headdress

Frontlets worn in Tła’sala or Peace Dances are often called Chiefs’ headdresses because only the highest-ranking people would wear these special and elaborate carvings. There are many frontlets in the Potlatch Collection, and this one was carved by celebrated artist Mungo Martin. The crown is made from whale baleen. When this frontlet is worn for dancing, the crown holds eagle down, which floats to the Big House floor to symbolize peace.

Yaxwiwe'

Yaxwiwe' or Beaver Headdress, beaver on frontlet shown with twig in mouth, tail rising above, long ermine and cloth head cover, sea lion whisker crown
Yaxwiwe' or Hawk Headdress, abalone shell encircles hawk face on frontlet, feathers and sea lion whiskers above and at sides, long ermine and cotton train.
Yaxwiwe' or killer whale frontlet, pentagonal shape, sea lion whiskers and fur trim, abalone inlays.
Yaxwiwe' or Raven frontlet, mirror pieces for eyes and around face, cloth and feather head band, sea lion whisker atop.
Yaxwiwe' or chief's headdress, round in shape, abalone teeth and eye, carved bird shape atop with cloth and ermine train.
Yaxwiwe' frontlet with brightly painted hawk face surrounded by abalone inlays, sea lion whiskers, cotton and ermine train.
Yaxwiwe' frontlet, carved wood hexagonal shape with blue and green sections, central bird face with whale figure above, ermine and sea lion whisker trim.