COLLECTOR'S DOCUMENTATION:
"Old heirlooms - crockery ware now used."
-William Fisher |
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CATALOG NO: 168623
OBJECT TYPE: ceremonial dish
REMARKS:
Decorated wooden dishes were used by Alutiiq people to hold berries,
oil, small bits of fish or meat, and other food items. Russian
observers noted the use of these dishes during invitation feasts where
they were placed in the center of the kazhim or ceremonial house,
containing specially prepared roots or berries mixed with sea mammal
oil, which was consumed at the end of the gathering by the host and
his guests in order of seniority. This elegant example from Chenega
in Prince William Sound is carved from a solid piece of wood in the
form of a bird and decorated with incised lines, red coloring and
white seed beads.
-Dee Hunt
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