An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Feast Ladlelate 1800s–early 1900s
Elaborate utensils, valuable possessions of Northwest Coast noble clans, were used during potlatch feasts. An imposing eagle hovers, patron-like, over this ladle’s bowl and the bounty it once served; a bear’s head appears on the underside of the bowl. Both may be crests, motifs that, like European heraldry, were exclusive to important families and referred to their histories and rights to control land and resources.
An imposing eagle presides over the bowl of this impressive ladle.
horn, bone, copper, abalone shell inlay
Overall: 13 cm (5 1/8 in.)
The Harold T. Clark Educational Extension Fund
In the hushed, serene echoes of a potlatch feast, one could find a ladle unlike any other—a piece that tells stories woven deep within the very fabric of Northwest Coast culture. This ladle, not just an ordinary utensil, was once cradled in the hands of the noble clans, and every curve and detail whispers secrets of power, lineage, and tradition.
Imagine a grand hall, filled with the laughter and chatter of families gathered around a lavish spread. Above the table, an imposing eagle looms, its wings spread wide like a guardian watching over the bounty below. The ladle, held proudly aloft, carries with it not just food, but a potent legacy, nurtured through generations. On the underside of its bowl, a bear’s head rests, fierce and dignified, a symbol echoing the strength and nobility of its lineage.
These motifs, the eagle and the bear, serve as crests—silent heralds of distinction—as if to declare to the world that this family, like those in the annals of European heraldry, holds claim to their land and resources. With every serving, they reaffirm not just their heritage, but their right to a place within the community.
As stories unfold with each ritualistic scoop of food, the ladle becomes a vessel for memory, embodying the very essence of what it means to belong. In this sacred act of sharing, both the past and present unite, and the legacy of those noble clans continues to thrive, echoing through time like the gentle rustle of leaves in a tranquil forest.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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