Reynold Collins (First Nations Canadian, Tsimshian, ca. 20th to 21st century) ca. 2014, "Chief Frontlet." A magnificent, handcrafted frontlet headdress, made from moose antler inlaid with nacre shells attached to a cloth cap covered in fur, feathers, cedar bark, and weasel pelts! The headdress rests on a removable hat stand; a stone totem pole surmounted by coiled bundles of pine needles to hold the cap's shape. The headdress is formed from a satin cloth base covered in rabbit and possibly wolverine fur, white goose down feathers, ermine pelts and tails that cascade down the sides, strips of cedar bark, and a woven bark panel for supporting the antler frontlet. The antler has classic formline animal and zoomorphic figures, the recessed areas are covered in copper foil, the sides inlaid with nacre shells, and sticks protrude from the top. The verso of the frontlet is signed and dated by the artist. Size (w. weasel pelts): 10" W x 25" H (25.4 cm x 63.5 cm); 19.5" H (49.5 cm) on included custom stand.

We cannot stress enough the effort and time that went into gathering and crafting this ensemble! Just the hat stand / totem pole alone is a fine piece. The ermine pelts come from weasels with a brown fur that turns white in the winter, a short window of opportunity to harvest the required creatures to make these types of traditional garments. Traditional headdress frontlets use materials and animals that come from both the land and sea that the native people depended upon, celebrating the animals and imbuing power to the wearer. This headdress is a decorative piece by Reynold Collins, an elder of the Kitsumkalum tribe of the Tsimshian Nation, his artwork is grounded in his heritage, and Collins enjoys creating lesser-known items from Tsimshian culture, such as bentwood boxes, headdresses, grease bowls, and potlatch puppetry figures.

Provenance: private Litchfield, Ohio, USA collection

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#186777

Signed on the verso by artist and dated. Verso of totem pole stand is also signed. Some shedding feathers and torn bark tassels. Overall great condition and spectacular display piece!