Tsimshian or Gitxsan Frontlet Headdress

Tsimshian or Gitxsan Frontlet Headdress
amhalait

Height (frontlet mask): 7 in (17.8 cm); Length (including train): 51 in (129.5 cm)

Condition Report:
Good condition overall for an object of this age and type and in the case of the trailer, perishable and fragile material. A crack running through the proper left center of the piece, as visible in the catalogue illustration. This has been expertly repaired. A few minor hairline cracks. Some minor marks, nicks, chips, scratches and abrasions in places. As visible, some bindings missing from the frontlet mask. The ermine are in dry, fragile condition with some breaks, losses, and several missing. Some staining and wear to the cloth backing.

Provenance:
Chief Wii Hlengwah (Jim Lax n'itsx), Gitwangak (Kitwanga), British Columbia
Charles Wallace Zollman, Indianapolis
Butterfield and Butterfield, San Francisco, November 17, 1999, lot 9136, consigned by the above
Jeffrey R. Myers, New York, acquired after the above auction
Abraham Rosman and Paula Rubel, New York, acquired from the above on July 13, 2006