Artifact of the Month: Wintu Hairpin Replicas
Created by noted scholar and artisan Craig Bates, these Wintu Hairpins are modeled on those collected by Livingston Stone for the Smithsonian during his time with the Winnemum Wintu at Baird Fish Hatchery on the McCloud River. The originals were likely worn on the head during ceremonial dances in conjunction with other headdress components.
In 1988, the Redding Museum Board of Directors commissioned Craig Bates to create several objects for educational purposes. He based his reproductions on actual indigenous belongings and photographs from museum collections and used authentic tools, materials, and designs as much as possible. How did Craig acquire such a skill? As a teenager, he was mentored by Henry Ke’a’ala Azbill (1896-1973) through the Alliance of California Traditional Arts (ACTA) program.