Harry Piers: Museum Maker

Notes from Piers Accession Book:

Scientific Name:  Photographs of Medallion (of cast brass, gilded) presented to Chief James Paul of Micmac Indians, by the Pope, through Archbishop Wm. Walsh of Halifax, on the occasion when said Paul was "crowned" as chief by Arbp. Walsh at St. Mary's Cathedral, Halifax, in September about 40 (?) years ago.  Now possessed by Chief Paul's step-son, Chief John Noel of Shubenacadie, N.S.

Common Name:  *Subsequent note*  Chief Noel said about 40 years ago, which would make it about 1868; but it must have been some years before that to be in Walsh's time.    *Second author:  It was 1856.  RW*

Locality and When Collected:  Shubenacadie, N.S.

Collector (c) Donor (d):  Medallion loaned to be photographed by Chief John Noel, Shubenacadie, N.S. Photographs made by Notmans Studio, Hx.

Received:  1908 Oct. 2

Quantity:  2

Remarks:  Walsh was R.C. Bishop at Halifax from 1845 to May 1852; and he was archbishop from May 1852 to Aug. 1858.  Walsh brought it from the Pope.  It forms part of the chief's "regalia," and he wore it with George III's silver medal referred to under no. 3219.  The Pope's medallion is kept in a soft, round plush case or pouch, crimson on one side, gallstone-yellow on the other.  Gilt tinsel is attached to the edge of this case, on both sides; and within this, on the red side, is a boardering-line of "herring-bone" stitching of yellow silk.  The medal has a ribbon for suspending it about the neck.  This ribbon is of red satin, 2 ins. wide; with gilt-tinsel stitched on thr boarders of ribbon, .30 inch wide, which tinsel boarder turns over edge of ribbon + is also .30 ins. on other side.  The brass suspension ring of the medallion covered with yellow silk thread.  The case + suspension-ribbon is doubtless the work of the Indians. 

      The medallion is made of cast brass, gilded; with raised figures of Christ (?) with angels, and chased (i.e. engraved) figures of ensignǣ of the 4 evangelists.  A plate is attached with 4 screws at back to hide back of casting, + to make the back "flush" all over.  Weight of medallion 9 oz.; height without ring, 5.75 ins.; width (greatest) 4.42 ins.

Date Accessioned: 29 October 1908

Photographer: Notman Studio

Reference: Harry Piers number 3287  Nova Scotia Museum Ethnology Collection