Portrait of Chief Hiengwa (Earthquake), Gitwangax, British Columbia

This portrait represents a Gitksan chief in full regalia. He wears a Chilkat robe and a frontlet, and holds a raven rattle. On the Northwest Coast, the crests or emblems that adorn clothing are statements about the wearer's social identity and status. Crests remind onlookers of rights received by the family from mythical creatures in a legendary past. Symbols of power and prestige, they were ? and still are ? displayed dramatically on formal garments.