Otter strip hair ornaments with small mirrors
Hair bow and clip with woven designs and metal thunderbird
Otter hair ornament with round mirror attachments / Unknown
Curatorial Remarks
Osage people sometimes referred to these as "otter". Otter skin pieces act a specialized dance clothing that hang from the back of the neck down the back. Otter fur is symbolic of ritual purity. Otters are similar to feathers in their significance. Otters were hunted and trapped by the tribes living in Oklahoma during the 20th century. Otter skin is used during dances like the straight dance.
Tags: otter fur, round mirrors, brown, tan
People: Osage
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: ceremonial events, dances, straight dance
From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology
Tags: otter fur, round mirrors, brown, tan
People: Osage
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: ceremonial events, dances, straight dance
From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology