Eagle Hat, Preston Singletary (born 1963)

The eagle image, seen on this contemporary rendering of a traditional hat (which is inverted here), demonstrates the artist’s clan heritage. Among the Tlingit, the right to depict a clan totem is exclusive to members of that clan. By making, or wearing, such an image, members convey information about their family history through time. Family lore is shared through generations in stories pertaining to each clan totem.