Spoon Item Number: 1885.66.2 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
Small dark spoon with large bowl and carved figures on the handle. The lower figure is possibly humanoid, but the eyes are elongated on the reverse to form a bird' s beak.; Good
Context
The darker spoons made from mountain-goat horn were made by the northern tribes and often traded down the coast. On the reverse of the bowl of the spoon Sitka has been written in pencil, suggesting the spoon was collected at that location. 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).The spoons were made by steaming and shaping the horn.; Collected by: Hepburn.J.E
Item History
- Made in Alaska, USA and British Columbia, Canada ?
- Received from J.E. Hepburn during 1885
What
- Name
- Spoon
- Identification Number
- 1885.66.2
- Type of Item
- spoon
- Material
- horn and mountain goat horn
Who
- Culture
- Tlingit ?
- Received from
- J.E. Hepburn
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- Alaska, USA and British Columbia, Canada ?
When
- Acquisition Date
- during 1885
Other
- Keyword
- Ceremonial Objects; Food Preparation