Storage Box Item Number: A5307 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden chest with a metal hinged lid. The lid and the base are painted black while the sides are white with slightly carved design painted black, red and green in Northwest Coast stylized forms. The front has a front facing, distributive design depicting an aquatic animal. A smaller sea bear (possibly) on both ends. Back plain black.
History Of Use
Bentwood boxes were used primarily for storage of food, implements, clothing and valuables. They were also used for cooking and serving food. They sometimes served as furniture or room dividers. They were also used as trade goods or gifts, and were symbols of wealth and prestige. Boxes used for ceremonial purposes were usually more highly decorated than those for everyday use.
Cultural Context
storage; trade; status; ceremony
Item History
- Made by Tom Patch Wamiss (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before 1972
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during 1972
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Tom Patch Wamiss (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0160/0057