oˀę:naˀ snowsnakes, mudcat pair

oˀę:naˀ snowsnakes, mudcat pair

oˀę:naˀ snowsnakes, mudcat pair

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Introduction

This is a pair of oˀę:naˀ or snowsnakes, also described as mudcat (a pair). Both snowsnakes are made of wood, lead tips, with three metal nails through the top part of the snake. There are zig zag patterns at the tips. They are identified as Haudenosaunee, possibly from Six Nations on the Grand River. These ancestors currently reside at the British Museum.

Nation of Maker: Hodenosaunee/Haudenosaunee Mohawk
Nation of Origin

 

 

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Snowsnakes are used in a traditional winter game played by the Haudenosaunee of upper New York State and Southern Ontario. The name "Chief Sky" is written on the accession tag. Janis Monture said the last name "Sky" is common at Six Nations of the Grand River.

Place of Origin: Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
Seasonal time
Haudenosaunee: Gohsrehneh (Wintertime)
English: Winter
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Created with information from the British Museum accession record and observations made by the GRASAC research team.

Materials

wood, lead tips, metal nails

Motifs and Patterns

Zig zag incisions decorate the tips of the snakes.

Dimensions: 92 × 2.5 × 0 cm
Condition: Good.
Current Location: British Museum, London, UK
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: Am1958,04.1, 2
Collection Narratives and Histories

The name Chief Sky is written on the accession tag.

Source for Provenance information

British Museum records

GKS Reference Number: 27170
How to Cite this Item

Unknown Haudenosaunee artist, oˀę:naˀ, snowsnakes, mudcat pair. Currently in the British Museum, Am1958,04.1, 2. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip December 2007; GRASAC item id 27170.

Record Creation Context

This record was created as part of a Great Lakes Research Alliance for the Study of Aboriginal Arts and Cultures (GRASAC) research trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum and British Museum, December 8-22 2007, funded by a grant from the International Opportunities fund of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
This record was augmented by Cara Krmpotich on February 5, 2024.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

Researchers present: Heidi Bohaker (HB), John Borrows (JB), Lindsay Borrows (LB), Darlene Johnston (DJ), Stacey Loyer (SL), Janis Monture (JM), Bruce Morito (BM), Ruth Phillips (RP), Cory Willmott (CW).

Approximate Place of Origin

43.0703, -80.1184

Source of Information about Places

British Museum records and GRASAC researchers' knowledge of genealogy/family names.

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