Haida of the Northwest Coast of North America are skilled carvers in wood, slate and horn. For ceremonies called potlatches elaborate food boxes are made, usually in the form of a crest figure which includes an animal or supernatural being, and provided to guests. It’s customary within Haida culture to provide gifts to guests as a source of payment to bear witness on special events.
Eagles are crest figures for particular Haida families or clans. The curl at the end of the wings is a particularly unique and rare detail. Operculum sheets from turban snails are inset into the rim. The box and base are made from red cedar and are latched and tied together.
Thanks to Sean Young for sharing information about Indigenous heritage to help us better understand the culture this item originates from during story talk sessions with National Museums NI staff. We are continuing to take advice so that we can update our interpretation and documentation in response to continuing dialogue.
BELUM.C66.1910
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