Spoon Item Number: 1885.66.1 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
Steeply curved spoon made from mountain-sheep horn and inlaid with rectangular pieces of deeply coloured abalone shell. The pale colour of the horn suggests it has not been used extensively. The horn darkens with use.; Good
Context
On the reverse of the spoon Sitka has been written, possibly as the location of collection. However it does not necessarily follow that the spoon is of Tlingit manufacture, and yet it is similar to examples pictured in Bill Holm' s Box of Daylight, 1983 (Washington University Press: Seattle), pages 81 82. Such spoons were used at feasts and potlatches, clearly demarcating the elaborate event from the everyday. The crests carved on the handle were possibly those of the owner representing a tangible connection between the lineage and the economic resources consumed during the feasting. The spoons were used for eating oolichan grease, berries, fish roe and fish (G.Crowther).; Collected by: Hepburn.J.E
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Received from J.E. Hepburn during 1885
Who
- Culture
- Tlingit ?
- Received from
- J.E. Hepburn
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Acquisition Date
- during 1885
Other
- Keyword
- Food Preparation; Ceremonial Objects