Feast Ladle Item Number: A8377 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large wooden ladle with a deep bowl and a cylindrical shaped handle carved in the form of a sea-lion. The bottom of the mouth attaches to the top of the spoon. The nose, eyes and mouth are carved, there is shallow engraving for side fins. The end of the handle consists of the back fins formed together in an oval-like shape. Painted black but there are traces of white and orange paint.

History Of Use

Ladles were used to serve food from large feast dishes into smaller vessels. Feasting occurred at ceremonies and potlatches, as well as other important social occasions. The figures represented on feast dishes and ladles were crest figures, which owners had the rights to display, through their histories and origins, as family privileges.

Iconographic Meaning

Sea-lion is usually represented in Kwakwaka'wakw sculpture with an elongated and rounded snout, and flippers or fins.

Cultural Context

ceremonial; potlatch; status

Item History

What

Name
Feast Ladle
Identification Number
A8377
Type of Item
ladle
Material
cedar wood and paint
Manufacturing Technique
carved
Overall
height 18.8 cm, width 44.4 cm, depth 132.3 cm

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Previous Owner
Campbell River & District Historical Society
Received from
Campbell River & District Historical Society (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Turnour Island, British Columbia, Canada and Kalugwis, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1900
Collection Date
during 1960
Ownership Date
before April 17, 1963
Acquisition Date
on April 17, 1963

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
0099/0018