"The 'slave killer' club photo is from the Brooklyn Museum open collection. It is an artifact of the Heiltsuk culture of northern Vancouver Island and Bella Bella. One collector describes it as a “Slave Killer” or “Copper Breaker” club. Painted wood with resin, stone, hair, and abalone shell. “Clubs known as slave killers are presumed to have been used to kill slaves during potlatch ceremonies."
"This second image from the Brooklyn Museum open collection is titled, Ladle with Skull. It’s also from the Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) c. 1905 / Central coast of British Columbia Painted wood with bear hide. An Ohio State University anthropologist says “The Heiltsuk are known for their over-the-top artistic styles. A large wooden lade like this, boldly showing carved skulls, was most likely used in Cannibal Society initiation ceremonies. It allowed for the symbolic feeding of human beings to the initiated."
-Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun
Don't fall for a one sided view of history, especially the ones that the victim cultures would have you believe.
