xawikw (Skull Representation)

Wooden skulls are used in Hamatsa ceremonies by initiates. They were used to adorn headdresses, masks, head rings and rattles. They were also used to adorn head and neck rings of ghost dancers associated with Winalagalis war spirits. The number of skulls displayed in Hamatsa rituals indicated the number times the dancer danced as a Hamatsa.

ceremonial

Carved skull with black hair, eyebrows and cheeks, red nostrils and teeth. Eyes are almost hollowed out, there are holes in both, and there is a hole at the top of the head.