Dance headband

Although drawn from several distinct Pomo communities, these pieces of historical regalia are similar to those worn by Elem dancers during the mfom Xe ceremony. In Tavernier’s painting, the two central male dancers are depicted wearing ba’qotheth xnoo, or headbands made from the red-shafted flicker, while blowing into bird-bone whistles, known as mpoo in Xaistnoo (Southeastern Pomo). The dancers are also adorned with elaborate necklaces—a type of wearable wealth—made from abalone shells, clamshells (often called "Indian silver"), and magnesite (referred to as "Indian gold"). A mineral found near Clear Lake, magnesite is naturally cream colored but transforms into shades of ocher when heated. These valuable materials were used by artist William Benson when making the pair of incised ear sticks here, which are similar in style to those worn by a female dancer in Tavernier’s painting. Today, Pomo artists such as Clint McKay continue to make items of beauty to be worn at special events. He created the modern take on Benson’s ear sticks for his daughter to wear at her wedding.