Spoon Item Number: E 1903.56 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
A dark horn spoon with a curved handle decorated with numerous interlocking creatures. The bowl of the spoon has been afixed to the handle using a small piece of native copper. The handle is carved with a bird' s head, a bear' s head, an unidentifiable creature, and an eagle. The carving is not as intricate as on other spoons, for example CUMAA E 1907.562. The shape of the spoon is characteristic of the Northwest coast feast spoons (G.Crowther).; Good
Context
The darker spoons made from mountain-goat horn were made by the northern tribes and often traded down the coast, it is therefore difficult to accurately assert a tribal identification. The original European tribal names and, where possible, current tribal names have both been given in separate GLT fields.; 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.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Received from Anatole von Hgel during 1903
What
- Name
- Spoon
- Identification Number
- E 1903.56
- Type of Item
- spoon
- Material
- horn and mountain goat horn
Who
- Culture
- Northwest Coast
- Received from
- Anatole von Hgel
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Acquisition Date
- during 1903
Other
- Keyword
- Ceremonial Objects; Food Preparation