Maidu. <em>Ceremonial Pin (Di-Yo)</em>, late 19th-early 20th century. Manzanita wood, pileated and acorn woodpecker scalp, swan feathers, glass beads, cotton string, 3 x 19 1/4 in. (7.6 x 48.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund, 08.491.8812. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 08.491.8812.jpg)

Ceremonial Pin (Di-Yo)

Artist:Maidu

Medium: Manzanita wood, pileated and acorn woodpecker scalp, swan feathers, glass beads, cotton string

Dates:late 19th-early 20th century

Dimensions: 3 x 19 1/4 in. (7.6 x 48.9 cm)

Collections:

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 08.491.8812

Image: 08.491.8812.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
This ceremonial plume would have been worn straight across the back of the head, stuck into a hair net. Curator Culin's informant, George, said that it indicated his rank as captain and it had been a gift to him. The raw materials are responsible for much of the effect of wealth and prestige. The larger piliated woodpecker does not live around Chico; its feathers must be traded in from the mountains. This pin employs sixteen of its scalps- a multiple of four, the sacred number. The manzanita wood for the shaft is especially hard and difficult to carve.

Brooklyn Museum