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Soul catcher

ca. 1840–60
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 746
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Created by a Tsimshian artist using an animal femur, this carving was used to restore balance and good health. The two heads may represent wolves or other animals who helped guide this process. Blue-green iridescent inlays of abalone shell give the eyes a lively presence.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Soul catcher
  • Date: ca. 1840–60
  • Geography: Made in British Columbia, Canada
  • Culture: Tsimshian, Native American
  • Medium: Bone, abalone shell, and tanned leather
  • Dimensions: 1 1/2 × 7 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (3.8 × 19.1 × 3.8 cm)
  • Credit Line: Loan from the Charles and Valerie Diker Collection
  • Object Number: L.2018.35.23
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing