Dance belt. Consists of central wooden plaque (part a), slightly concave, and two separate flat pieces that sit on the right (part b) and on the left (part c). Central portion is frontal face with clenched teeth and bulging eyes. Sides pieces are carved with serpent-like heads with protruding tongues, seen in profile. Pieces may originally have been joined with cloth strips. Metal loops on the back of each panel for hanging.

• History Of Use

  Warrior dance belt.

• Iconographic Meaning

  Sisiutl was a double-headed serpent, or lightning snake who was an assistant of Winalagalis, the War Spirit. Sisiutl figured largely in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology and ceremonial life.

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• Type of Item belt
• Culture Kwakwaka'wakw
• Material wood, paint, metal
• Manufacturing Technique carved, painted
• Measurements height 26.0 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 4.0 cm (part a) height 27.0 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 3.0 cm (part b) height 28.0 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 3.5 cm (part c)

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• Previous Owner Walter C. Koerner
• Received from Walter C. Koerner

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• Made in British Columbia

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• Ownership Date before April 8, 1976
• Acquisition Date on April 8, 1976

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• Condition fair
• Accession Number 0336/0121 a-c