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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Deep red-brown wood bowl in the shape of a seal. Shaped as a smooth, rounded seal's head at one end with inlaid oval abalone shell eyes surrounded by a carved tapering oval, a nose that has inward bored circular nostrils with a vertical ridge in between, and an open mouth showing a tongue. The other end is shaped as a tail enclosed by u-shaped piece representing flippers consisting of a central shell inset ovoid and three horizontal bands with eight, nine or ten small circular insets. Flipper design carved at each side behind the head consisting of a central shell inset ovoid, a split u, and four curvi-linear lines with four or five small circular insets along the upper three. The tail is also outlined by small circular insets. In between the side flippers and the back flippers, there is a central shell inset ovoid. Flat rim is inlaid with nine opercula. Back of seal is concave, forming a dish. Carved areas are inlaid with opercula, abalone, and beads.

History Of Use

Used to serve food to guests on ceremonial occasions.

Iconographic Meaning

Seal may be a family crest emblem.

Narrative

Many dishes such as this one were produced in Sitka for the tourist art market. Similar ones can be found in many museums throughout North America, as these museums tend to have later collections that those in Europe.

Item History

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