Rotating lobby display to be unveiled free of charge to public during this week’s First Friday

September 5, 2018

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will unveil a new exhibit this Friday featuring traditional Northwest Coast armor and weaponry.

The exhibit includes several pieces and is an accurate representation of how a Tlingit warrior would have appeared to an enemy, said SHI President Rosita Worl.

“The Tlingit wore large wooden war helmets that made them appear taller than they actually were, and the helmets often depicted fearsome faces. Our people did not seek out war, but when pushed into battle they were formidable,” Worl said.

The exhibit includes war helmets, war collars, slat chest armor, a copper dagger and an iron spear. The pieces range in age from the 1800s to pieces made by artists in contemporary times.

The exhibit will be open to the public free of charge from 4:30-7 pm on Sept. 7 during First Friday at Sealaska Heritage in downtown Juneau.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.

CONTACT: Amy Fletcher, SHI Media and Publications Director, 907.586.9116, amy.fletcher@sealaska.com.  

Caption: “Woman Warrior” helmet by Tommy Joseph from SHI’s ethnographic collection.

For high resolution images, contact kathy.dye@sealaska.com.