Captive 'witch'
This bound captive image differs in treatment from object 501 in that, although the subject matter is recognisably Tlingit, the facial features are not. The rib-cage is, however, often depicted on Tlingit images in death or distress, and since shaman’s charms also sometimes have an idiosyncratic quality it is likely that this piece originated from the Tlingit, perhaps from the north, near Prince William Sound.
The captive’s wrists are shown tied at the back with a twisted cord, though no hair is shown. There is a depression on each side of the neck.
Steven Hooper, 1997
Entry taken from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, Vol. 2: Pacific, African and Native North American Art, edited by Steven Hooper (Yale University Press, 1997) p. 269.
Exhibitions
Exhibition Ref: EA51
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of William Winkworth.
Purchased by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury from K. J. Hewett in 1950.
Donated to the Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia in 1973 as part of the original gift.
On display
Title/Description: Captive 'witch'
Date created: 1800 - 1899
Object Type: Figure
Materials: Whalebone
Measurements: h. 118 x w. 34 x d. 48 mm
Accession Number: 122
Historic Period: 19th century
Production Place: North America, Northwest Coast, The Americas
Cultural Group: Northern Tlingit
Credit Line: Donated by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury, 1973
