Exhibit Label

All along the Northwest Coast, native diet included oil rendered from fish and sea mammals. The Makah used oil rendered from the fat of seals, sea lions, and whales for their grease. Especially prized by all coast dwellers was the oil of the candlefish or ooligan. Fish and sea mammal oil was used as a condiment with other foods as well as a major ingredient in preserving berries and meats. When used to flavor roasted or dried fish, the oil was served in small dishes or bowls into which the pieces of food were dipped. (Holm, Spirit and Ancestor, 1987)