Bead Necklace

Object ID: ​2019.9.4 
Rita Pimlott Collection      

​This object is a loom beaded necklace with a eagle design as the main motif on a white background on the pendant portion of the beadwork. There is a single pendant that splits into two necklace lengths that meet without a clasp. There is approximately 15cm of beaded tassels that consist of green, yellow, red and black seed beads and red and teal bugle style beads.

The necklace portion of the beadword has what appears to be a double headed sea serpent, or ihos design. The ihos is a supernatural being that appears in many Coast Salish stories.  The traditional name place for Savary Island, is in fact: ihos because its shape is that of a serpent. 

In the upper part of the necklace beadwork there is a snake intertwined with what is perhaps and eagle or another animal. Following the snake design are arrows that meet at the middle of the necklace and point toward the snakes.  The design would be mirrored along the wearers neck and chest when worn. 

This piece was part of a collection of First Nations baskets and cultural items that were gifted to the Tla’amin Nation by Homalco First Nations elder Rita Pimlott, who comes from the Timothy and Pielle families of Klahoose. Rita has collected or was gifted these items throughout her life. The Powell River Historical Museum and Archives currently hosts these items in trust for the Tla'amin Nation. 

This particular item comes from Cape Mudge, on Quadra Island.