Bentwood Chest | Lid Item Number: 2291 from the The Burke: University of Washington

Exhibit Label

A chief's chest, such as this one, was used to store the treasured emblems of his rank: his dancing blankets, headdresses, and the heraldic emblems of the lineage. It also served as a sort of throne or seat on state occasions. Small chests of similar form held shaman's equipment or a chief's ceremonial material, and finally served as a coffin for his cremated remains. (Holm, Spirit and Ancestor, 1987)

Item History

What

Name
Bentwood Chest | Lid
Identification Number
2291
Type of Item
bentwood chest and lid
Material
wood and paint
Manufacturing Technique
steamed, bent, carved and painted
Overall
length 96.0 cm, height 59.0 cm, depth 58.0 cm

Who

Culture
Haida
Received from
George T. Emmons

Where

Holding Institution
The Burke: University of Washington

Other

Credit
Purchased from George T. Emmons
Motif
Formline Design | Humanoid | GONAKADET
Collection
Burke Museum Ethnology Collection