Bowl Item Number: 1929.155 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
A high ended grease bowl with an undulating rim which is studded with brass tacks. Brass tacks generally were used instead of operculum shells, and were much more popular with Plains Indians. The outside of the bowl is decorated with bilaterally symmetrical designs composed of the characteristic ovoids and U-forms. It is difficult to identify the creature represented on the ends. Inside the bowl the traces of grease can still be seen, and a ridge following the rim and branching upwards to the edges of the high ends. These ridges are possibly the decorative vestiges of the birch bark precursors made by the Athapaskan peoples (G.Crowther).; Good
Context
The original European tribal names and, where possible, current tribal names have both been given in separate GLT fields.; The grease bowls were used for oolichan and seal grease into which food was dipped during feasts and potlatches. Similar to spoons and bowls the use of objects decorated with crests demarcated potlatches and feasts as events removed from everydayexistence.The crests carved on objects were possibly those of the owner representing a tangible connection between the lineage and the economic resources consumed during the feasting (G.Crowther).; Collected by: ?Watts.J.C in ?1889
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Received from J.C. Watts during 1929
Who
- Culture
- Northwest Coast
- Received from
- J.C. Watts
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Acquisition Date
- during 1929
Other
- Keyword
- Food Preparation; Ceremonial Objects; containers