Tlingit Armor Symbols

A recurrent theme in ancient artifacts is animal symbolism. Both the Kunz Axe and the Tlingit Armor feature animal symbolism and rare materials (jade and Chinese coins, for example). This helps one determine what was valued in the culture, which animals one would want to borrow strength from, which objects one would use to show rank. Despite these artifacts coming from different cultures (the Olmec and Tlingit Indian cultures respectively), these pieces share many similarities in concept and dedication. The Kunz Axe, created circa 1200-400 B.C., is an Olmec artifact made of jade (accession number: (30/7552)). In the modern day, jade is a precious stone and perhaps it was for the Olmecs as well. The description of the object states that it was used by “chief or shaman.” Since this object is reserved for high-ranking figures, then jade must be a valued material. In addition, jade would have to be hard enough to carve lest it flake. The Axe shows a human head combined with an animal head. In a sense, that says that the two are merged. Taking that a step …show more content…
Featured on this piece are Chinese coins, wood, sinew and moose hide. The Chinese coins show a diffusion of cultures. Since these coins were given to the Tlingit by “Boston sea merchants in exchange for sea otter pelts” perhaps this armor represents a bond between the two groups of people—a symbol of camaraderie even. After all, the helmet resembles an abstract sea lion. Yet, if this functions as armor and warriors wear it to battle, then rival groups may identify the Tlingit with these Boston merchants. On the other hand, it may function as a make-shift chainmail. Taking this a step further, perhaps the Tlingit believed that the coins carried a special power since the currency is arranged all over the Armor. There may be something in the positioning of the coins, or prestige in successful trade