Spoon

Item number A2483 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Curved silver spoon with an oval bowl and a tapering handle with a profile bird-head finial. Features of bird-head extend out from the handle with the crest and brow band on one side and a jaw line below. Iris and brow band are slightly raised. Engraving includes details on bird's head, including a split u on the crest, an ovoid eye, and mouth and lines indicating the nostril and feathers. Angled ovoid in ovoid on the neck (handle shaft) u-shapes, split u's, and s-curves to large angled ovoid where handle widens to the spoon of the bowl. Wing and tail-like appendages on either side of the ovoid. 'Ketchikan' is engraved in a curve in the spoon bowl.

History Of Use

Metal working has a long history on the Northwest Coast, especially with the Tlingit, beginning with native copper and later with iron acquired from Asia. Silver work, using coins, did not become important until the land based fur trade era. Jewelry and silver spoons made for sale started to be produced, in significant numbers, in the later years of the 19th century.