Painted Spruce Root Hat
Date1884
Mediumspruce root, paint
DimensionsOther: 21 × 53.3 cm (8 1/4 × 21 in.)
ClassificationsCeremonial Objects
Paper Field ReferencesCMH VII-B-892
Object numberHRC 00892
Descriptionwoven of twisted spruce root fibres. has woven inner rim for fitting on head. has painted crest designs in black, red and blue. upper portion of the hat is of finer weave and has head of animal painted. lower portion has body, limbs and claws. Mackenzie notes that this hat 'is of more than ordinary dimensions... and is of the kind worn only on the occasion of a distribution of property, the wearer then having on also a 'dance blanket', and holding in the hand a staff.. such costume was suitable for either male or female. the devices painted on the these hats seem to have been a matter of fancy, and to have had no particular significance. the dog, fish, whale, crow or bear were often represented on them.'in the photos of the hat, it looks like the skip stitch pattern is the dragonfly patter, could possibly be made by Isabella Edenshaw (she used the pattern a lot in her hats).
Exhibition HistoryArt Museum London and Hamilton (4-56) Exhibit Stratford (6-60) - (9-60) National Gallery oTTAWA (3-70) - (9-71) $550
On View
Not on viewCollections
c. 1900
c.1900
1898
