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Tlingit Bear
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Tlingit Bear
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Tlingit Bear

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.109454
Object Type Bear, Teddy
Artist (American)
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium textile (polyester), plastic
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 15 1/2 in x W 10 3/4 in x D 6 in (39.4 cm x 27.3 cm x 15.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA stuffed brown teddy bear wearing traditional Tlingit clothing. The clothing consists of a blue cape that has a red border and a formline raven in flight on the back. The raven is embellished with white iridescent buttons and plastic beads. The red border of the cape is also embellished with white buttons. Underneath the cape, the teddy bear is wearing a matching blue dress with red fringe and beads along the bottom. On its head, the teddy bear has a domed red cap that is decorated with yellow buttons along the edges and a white formline head of a raven.
Historical NoteThe clothing on the teddy bear is handmade by an Elder of the Tlingit Tribe and was gifted on May 18th, 2015 when First Lady Michelle Obama presented the National Medal for Museum and Library Services to award recipients at the White House. One of the institutions receiving the honor was the Craig Public Library, a small institution on Prince Wales Island in Alaska, which serves members of the Tlingit community.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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