Pomo Ceremonial White Deer Dance Blade

ca. 1850 – 1930

1″ H x 15.125″ L x 2.25″ W

Hand Carved from Obsidian with 2 Points

In Very Good Condition BROKEN AND GLUED AT CENTER

The White Deerskin Dance (also called the White Deer Dance) is a traditional world renewal ceremony among Northwest California Native American tribes, primarily the Karuk (also spelled Karok), Hupa, and Yurok. This significant ritual, held periodically and lasting several days, involves elaborate preparations and features dancers carrying stuffed white deerskins (or albino deer hides) on poles, symbolizing renewal and sacred elements.A key part of the ceremony includes obsidian dancers who follow, carrying large ceremonial obsidian bladesoften massive, bifacially knapped (flaked on both sides) obsidian pieces, sometimes paired (twin blades tied together with buckskin thongs). These blades are not weapons but sacred regalia, representing ancient craftsmanship and spiritual significance.Historically, renowned Karuk flintknapper Theodore (Ted) Orcutt (active around the early 20th century) was known as the “White Deer knapper,” specializing in creating these enormous obsidian blades for the dance. His works are preserved in museums, and modern knappers continue the tradition by replicating such giant ceremonial blades.These images depict elements of the White Deerskin Dance, including dancers with obsidian blades and deerskin regalia. Modern replicas of large obsidian dance blades also exist among flintknapping enthusiasts.