Box Item Number: 1929.413 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
Four sided kerfed storage box that lacks a bottom and lid. The box has slightly scored lines parallel to each edge. The corners are bent with the exception of one which is stitched using cedar bark. The box has seen considerable use and is in a poor state of repair. There are stains of a greasy nature on the box, suggesting it may have been used for storing oolichan grease. However the box was collected as a Treasure box and has a label attached to that effect.; Good
Context
The original European tribal names and, where possible, current tribal names have both been given in separate GLT fields.; The kerfed storage boxes are characteristic of the Northwest Coast and exhibit a very high degree of technical prowess. The boxes were made from one sheet of wood which had grooves cut where the corners were later made when the sheet was steamed into a square. The open side was either sewn together with Spruce root or pegged with wooden pegs. The lids were usually removable, while the bases were pegged onto the sides. The undecorated storage boxes were used as domestic items for everyday use, such as for storing food and berries. Some were watertight and were used for cooking, i.e. dropping heated rocks into the water to boil the contents. This is in contrast to the decorated, carved and/or painted boxes which were used in a ceremonial context. It was from such a box that the mythic Raven stole the sun and brought light to the world. The designation of this box as a Treasure Box suggests it was used for storing crest regalia, but unusually it is not decorated and thereare traces of oolichan grease suggesting a much more utilitarian use (G.Crowther).; Collected by: McIlwraith.T.F in ?1924
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Received from T.F. McIlwraith during 1929
What
- Name
- Box
- Identification Number
- 1929.413
- Type of Item
- box
- Material
- wood and cedar wood
Who
- Culture
- Nuxalk
- Received from
- T.F. McIlwraith
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Acquisition Date
- during 1929
Other
- Keyword
- Containers; Magic and Religion; Ceremonial Objects