Feast Dish Item Number: A6937 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Long, wooden feast dish carved in the shape of an animal with a deep, oval shaped bowl in the middle. The tail is paddle shaped and curves downward to join the body; it’s legs are carved in relief against the body, the feet support the bowl. A human face with a downturned mouth is painted on the tail followed by a repeating pattern of red, white and green u-forms. The exterior rim of the dish is painted with a continuous pattern of alternating green and blue ovoids on a white band. Painted on each shoulder is a face in profile. Has been badly broken, and repaired.
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.
Letter in file says it belonged to the seller's wife's great-grandfather.
ceremonial; potlatch; status; privileges
Represents Beaver, Tsa-ow.