SIS-I-UTL, THE DOUBLE-HEADED SNAKE

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References:
Plate 2, Figure 2. Painting on Bone. Kwakiutl.
Plate 9, Figure 1. Heraldic House-front Mask. Kwakiutl.
Plate 13, Figure 1. Beaded Headband. Tsimsyan.

The representation shown on Plate 2, Figure 2 was painted
on the large bone of a whale by the well-known Kwakiutl artist,
George Hunt, in the colours here reproduced. It is now in the
Provincial Museum as is also the huge House-front Mask depicted
on Plate 9, Figure 1. This specimen measuring 7 feet 4 inches
in length by 1 foot 3 inches in depth is painted in red, black,
white and green, the heads at each end being movable as also are
their horns. Including the "arm" used for moving the various
parts, there are, in all, eight separate pieces. (The tongue of
one head is missing). The specimen was collected from Fort Rupert
in 1914 by the late Dr. C. F. Newcombe. For details of Plate 13,
Figure 1, see "Quill and Beadwork" page 85. This formidable and
fabulous creature is conventionally represented with a head at
each end and a human head in the centre; each terminal head shows
one horn with two on the central one.

Sis-i-utl was reputed to have power to assume the form ofa
fish at will; it might also simulate a canoe, which moved by the
motion of its fins. The eyes if used as stones could kill even
whales. If its blood touched the skin this became hard as stone.
Its own skin used as a belt enabled the owner to perform wonder-
ful feats, as related in many tales. To those who enjoyed super-
natural strength it imparted more power--hence it was classed by
some among benevolent Spirits with Beaver and Salmon. Essentially
it was the helper of warriors; the birth of a child under its
spell was a cause of great rejoicing in the Kwakiutl Tribe, for
the power conferred on the fortunate child extended to the war-
riors of its Clan. To own even a minute fragment of this crea-
ture ensured success in fishing and hunting to the enviable
possessor.

But, meanwhile, to see, to touch or to eat a particle of the
Sis-i-utl meant certain death; at once every joint in the un-
fortunate individual's body was dislocated, while his or her head
was turned right round to the back of the body!

Kwakiutl warriors before going on an expedition used to

go to the forest to meet the double headed snake which gave
them great strength and power and upon their return from

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