44 FIRST FLOOR 
On the whole, the special collections are arranged in the same 
order as the general synoptic collection illustrating the culture 
The of the coast tribes. The collections from the Tlingit 
Tlingit. of southern Alaska (Aicoves 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 (Alcoves 6 and 7 and Center Case 20) paintings 
The Tsim- and models of totem-poles will be found, which illus- 
shian and_ trate fully the use of the crest and the representation 
the Haida. of 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 g at north end of hall) contain a full set 
The Bella Of 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 g-12. The peculiarities of their industries 
The Kwa- are illustrated by numerous specimens. Many of the 
kiutl, masks (Alcove 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 
use, however, are much ruder than those of the north- 
ern tribes. This is the only tribe that hunts the whale. 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. 
The Nootka. 
