Carved Necklace
Northwest Coast
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
Tlingit shamans of the Pacific Northwest Coast wore objects that were decorated with images of supernatural spirit helpers, or yeik, who assisted during curing ceremonies. These yeik could appear in either animal or human form and are represented on a variety of shaman paraphernalia, including necklaces like this one. The thirty-six-piece necklace contains ten elaborately carved figures, including a sea otter, a raven-eagle, a wolf, and a whale. It is uncertain if the necklace belonged to a shaman, or even if these charms originally belonged to the same object.
Caption
Northwest Coast. Carved Necklace, 19th century. Bone, ivory, teeth, 31 7/8 in. (81 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, 05.271. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Carved Necklace
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Alaska, United States
Medium
Bone, ivory, teeth
Classification
Dimensions
31 7/8 in. (81 cm)
Credit Line
Brooklyn Museum Collection
Accession Number
05.271
Frequent Art Questions
Why are three pieces of Alaskan art paired with a piece from Brazil?
Great question! The installation is by theme and use rather than country of origin.What is the theme for this case?The theme is talismans and charms. The necklaces may have been worn by a shaman or medicine man. Images of animals on the Tukano necklace from Brazil acknowledges the important relationship between humans and animals. All three pieces are made from natural materials found within these specific regions.There is a case of musical instruments from different countries nearby that keeps with the concept of themes within the exhibition.Okay, I'll check that out, thank you!You're welcome!
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