$1,180.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
ca. 1920
3.125" H x 15.5" L x 7.125" W
Hand Carved Bowl with 4 Inlaid Shells and 2 Inlaid Mother of Pearl Eyes with Detailed Carving
In Very Good Condition but Missing 4 Inlaid Shells
Northwest Coast Indigenous carved wooden effigy bowls are a striking form of traditional art and functional sculpture created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including groups such as the Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), and others. These bowls, often referred to as feast bowls, potlatch bowls, or ceremonial bowls, are typically carved from a single piece of wood (such as cedar, alder, or maple) and shaped into the form of an animal, creature, or symbolic figure—an effigy—that holds deep cultural, spiritual, and social significance.
These bowls were integral to potlatch ceremonies and feasts, where food (like eulachon oil, berries, or fish) was served to guests as part of displays of wealth, status, clan identity, and reciprocity. The effigy form often represented a clan crest, crest animal (e.g., eagle, killer whale, beaver, frog, bear, or sea lion), or mythological being, embodying spiritual power, lineage heritage, and connections to the natural and supernatural worlds.Everyday bowls might be simpler and functional.
Ceremonial ones were elaborately carved, sometimes with inlays of abalone shell, ivory, or beads for eyes/teeth, and featured bold formline design—the distinctive Northwest Coast style with flowing lines, ovoids, U-shapes, and split representations.
They were often carved from a single block using traditional tools like curved knives and adzes, hollowed out by controlled burning and scraping in some cases.
Condition:
Very Good
Tribe:
Salish - Coast Salish
Year Range:
1900 - 1925
Region:
Pacific Northwest - and Alaska
Dimensions:
3.13 in15.5 in7.13 in
Category:
Boxes - Bowls -Paddles - Rattles - Wood Carvings
