( SOLD ) Kwakiutl First Nation 'Whale & Thunderbird' Potlach Blanket Box
Cecil Dawson 'Whale & Thunderbird' Potlach Blanket Box
NOS Beautiful, original and signed 21 1/2 inches long by 12 1/2 inch wide and 8 1/2 inch deep ceremonial potlach blanket wood box with his depiction of ''Whale & Thunderbird'' in the style of the Kwakiutl nation and used for potlatching and ceremonies .
Signed by Hereditary Chief and artist Cecil Dawson.
Potlatches are social occasions given by a host to establish or uphold his/her status position within the tribe. Often they were held to mark a significant event in their family, such as the birth of a child, a daughter’s first menses, or a marriage. Potlatches are to be distinguished from feasts in that all guests are invited to a potlatch to share food and receive gifts or payment. Potlatches held by commoners were mainly local, while members of high standing often invited guests from many tribes. Potlatches were also the venue in which permission to use ceremonial privileges was asserted, displayed, and formally transferred to heirs.