Miniature Dish Item Number: A2176 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Miniature trough-like dish carved out of a thick plank of wood. The centre has been hollowed out, the ends are angled with concave impressions. The exterior has a slightly bevelled surface below the proximal edge. Painted with red, black and gold designs on the exterior surfaces. An animal face resembling a beaver, is present at each of the ends, while stylized bird-like designs are centred on each of the longer sides. The gold paint is used primarily as an accent colour. The artist signed the base of the dish in red paint.
History Of Use
Larger versions of this trough-like dish, carved from a thick plank of wood, were used for feasts. They would be used to serve meat and oil, the oil would be placed in small containers that would be spaced along the trench to accommodate several people sitting in a row. Such dishes were usually between three and ten feet in length. This smaller version, which has been decorated with painted designs, was likely made for sale as an art piece, but smaller dishes are also used as oil containers.
Cultural Context
domestic; contemporary art; tourist art
Specific Techniques
Carved from a single plank of wood.
Item History
- Made by Stanley James (Maker) in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
- Received from Unknown (Unknown)
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Snuneymuxw
- Creator
- Stanley James (Maker)
- Received from
- Unknown (Unknown)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 7