{"product_id":"inuit-bent-wood-oval-box","title":"Inuit Bent Wood Oval Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eLate 19th Century\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.375\" H x 6.5\" L x 5.625\" W\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand Crafted from Cedar Wood with no Lid in an Oval Shape with Two Rows of Stitching\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Very Good Condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBentwood boxes are ingenious, often watertight containers made from a single plank of wood (typically red or yellow cedar on the Northwest Coast). The process involves Cutting three \"kerfs\" (grooves) partway through the plank at measured intervals, Steaming the wood to make it pliable, Bending it at the kerfs to form three corners, then joining the fourth corner with pegs, dowels, or lashing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese boxes served many purposes: storage for food, oil (like seal or fish), clothing, tools, valuables, or even cooking (by adding hot stones to boil water or soups inside). These were likely used for personal items, grease\/fat storage, or small valuables. While bentwood boxes are most strongly associated with Northwest Coast cultures, similar kerfed\/bentwood techniques appear in some Alaskan Yup'ik or Inuit contexts, especially for bowls, buckets, or smaller containers. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antique American Indian Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47682347597989,"sku":"5237-34","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/6071\/5685\/files\/5237-34_1.jpg?v=1775150602","url":"https:\/\/antiqueamericanindianart.com\/products\/inuit-bent-wood-oval-box","provider":"Antique American Indian Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}