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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Feast dish representation of a seal carved from a single log with the body deeply hollowed to form the bowl. The seal's face has carved ovoid eyes and crescent-shaped nostrils. The body is decorated with horizontal adzing except above the forefeet where vertical adzing suggests legs. Adzed fluting surrounds the rim of the bowl. Between the hind feet is a smaller bowl at the end of which is a small carved face. There are supporting legs under the rear of the body. The seal has traces of black, red, white and green paint.

History Of Use

Feast dishes were used primarily to hold food served to guests at important social occasions. Great “house dishes” could hold immense quantities of food. They also held their own names and histories, and were among the most valued privileges passed on through marriage and inheritance.

Cultural Context

ceremonial; potlatch; status

Iconographic Meaning

The seal was an important food resource and may represent wealth and abundance.

Item History

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