Tlingit Armor

c. Late 18th Century - 1869

Though William H. Seward spearheaded the purchase of Alaska for the U.S. in 1867, he did not travel there until 1869. During his trip he visited the Tlingit Indians who are a prominent Native American group still living in southeast Alaska. Seward acquired several traditional Tlingit pieces for his collection such as this face collar, armor, and native flowers. Many of the pieces are crafted from marine life hide, Chinese coins, and hardwoods.