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War Helmet
War Helmet
Culture

War Helmet

Datec. 1750-1800
DimensionsOverall: 11 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 11 1/4 in. (29.2 × 26.7 × 28.6 cm)
Object numberT0710
Credit LineLoan from the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust
Photograph by Richard Walker
Label TextTlingit helmets had carved spirit, ancestor or clan crest figures that spiritually protected and empowered warriors for battle. Only outstanding warriors or leaders wore such elaborate helmets. This helmet represents a red-breasted merganser, a swift and aggressive seabird. War helmets are unique to Tlingit culture.
Exhibition History"American Indian Art from the Fenimore Art Museum: The Thaw Collection," The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, May 9, 2017 - October 8, 2017.

Extended Loan AAOA (following Met Thaw Travelling Exhibit), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, October 16, 2017 - April 16. 2019.

"American Indian Art from the Fenimore Art Museum: The Thaw Collection," Mitchell Gallery, St John's College, Annapolis, MD, February 28, 2020 - April 26, 2020.
ProvenancePrivate collection, France
BibliographyPescheteau-Badin, Godeau, et LeRoy. 17 November 1995, p.21, lot 55.

Gilles-Francois Picard, "1725000 F pour un masque de Colombie-Britannique." La Gazette, No. 41, 24 Novembre 1995.

Vincent, Gilbert T. "The Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art." The World of Tribal Arts, Vol.II, No.4, (Winter 1995-96): 5 & 84.

"Museum Acquisitions." American Indian Art Magazine, Vol.21, No.4, (Autumn 1996): 85.

Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.364, 365.

Murdock, Michelle, ed. 50 at 20: Masterpieces of American Indian Art from the Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, NY: Fenimore Art Museum, 2015, p. 29.

Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 406.
On View
Not on view
War Helmet
Tlingit
c. 1780-1840
Charles C. Henry
Sturtevant J. Hamblin
1851
Bent-Corner Dish
Haida
1830-1860
Bent-Corner Chest
Haida
1830-1860
Bowl
Coast Tsimshian or Nishga or Southern Tlingit
1800-1840
Rattle
Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka), Makah
c. 1800-1860
Club
Coast Tsimshian
1800-1830

5798 STATE HIGHWAY 80
COOPERSTOWN NY, 13326
607-547-1400

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