44 FIRST FLOOR 



On the whole, the special collections are arranged in the same 

 order as the general synoptic collection illustrating the culture 

 The o^ 'the coast tribes. The collections from the Tlingit 



Tlingit. of southern Alaska (Alcoves 4, 5, 6) are remarkable 

 particularly on account of the great number of excellent old 

 pieces of superior workmanship. The numerous masks from 

 this region were used by the shamans in their ceremonies and 

 represent their individual protectors. 



In the collections from the Tsimshian and Haida of northern 

 British Columbia (x\lcoves 6 and 7 and Center Case 20) paintings 

 The Tsim- ^^"^ models of totem-poles will be found, which illus- 

 shian and trate fully the use of the crest and the representation 

 the Haida. Qf family traditions on the carvings of these people. 

 Their masks are also used in festivals celebrated by the various 

 families. 



The collections from the Bella Coola of central British Co- 

 lumbia (Alcoves 8 and 9 at north end of hall) contain a full set 

 The Bella o^ ceremonial masks illustrating all the important deities 

 Coola. of the tribe, chief of which is the Sun. 



A very full collection from the Kwakiutl of Vancouver Island 

 is found in Alcoves 9-12. The peculiarities of their industries 

 The Kwa- 3^re illustrated by numerous specimens. Many of the 

 kiuti. masks (illcove 11) are used in pantomimic representa- 



tions of the traditional history of the families ; while others, to- 

 gether with neck-rings and head-rings of cedar-bark, belong to 

 the ceremonials of their secret societies, particularly to those of 

 the Cannibal Society (Alcove 12). 



Next in order come the collections from the Nootka (Alcoves 

 12 and 13), whose industries and customs are similar to those of 



the Kwakiutl. The masks and carvings which they 

 The Nootka. , , , 1 , r , 1 



use, however, are much ruder than those of the north- 

 ern tribes. This is the only tribe that hunts the w^hale. Their 

 whaling-harpoons are exhibited in Case S at the south end of the 

 hall. 



On the south side of Alcove 13 are found collections from 

 the Coast tribes of the State of Washington (Coast Salish) . The 

 The Coast culture of this region shows a gradual transition to that 

 Salish. of the tribes of the interior. Here we find basketry 

 highly developed. 



