seal shaped feasting dish

unrecorded Haida artist, artist

seal shaped feasting dish, late 1800s–early 1900s

Where object was made: Canada or United States

Material/technique: carving; possibly horn; possibly bone; shell; wood

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): 12 x 20.5 x 42 cm
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): 4 3/4 x 8 1/16 x 16 9/16 in

Credit line: Source unknown

Accession number: 2007.2751

Not on display

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Label texts

In keeping with the Northwest coast style, ovoid forms are used to define seal eyes and flipper joints depicted on this feast bowl. Ornate feast bowls are used on special occasions by Northwest Coast cultures to serve a dish of berries, fish and Eulachon fish oil. The bowls were frequently carved into the shapes of seals, bears and other animals. The high ends evoke a boat-like shape, symbolic of
ocean craft.

Exhibition Label:
"Roots and Journeys: Encountering Global Arts and Cultures," Jul-2011, Nancy Mahaney
In keeping with the Northwest coast style, ovoid forms are used to define seal eyes and flipper joints depicted on this feast bowl. Ornate feast bowls are used on special occasions by Northwest Coast cultures to serve a dish of berries, fish and Eulachon fish oil. The bowls were frequently carved into the shapes of seals, bears and other animals. The high ends evoke a boat-like shape, symbolic of
ocean craft.