Tlingit horn and copper feast spoon, Alaska, 1850–1950
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 1800s–early 1900s
Elaborate utensils, valuable possessions of Northwest Coast noble clans, were used during potlatch feasts. This spoon’s handle features the heads of a wolf and a raven along with a beaver’s tail.
All 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. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1924.175: Spoon, late 1800s–early 1900s. Native North America, Northwest Coast, Alaska, Tlingit. Horn, copper; overall: 10 x 9.7 cm (3 15/16 x 3 13/16 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 1
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Medium
- horn, copper
- Dimensions
- Overall: 10 x 9.7 cm (3 15/16 x 3 13/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Overall: 10 x 9.7 cm (3 15/16 x 3 13/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- horn, copper
Identification
- Date recorded
- late 1800s–early 1900s
- Culture period
- Native North America, Northwest Coast, Alaska, Tlingit
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1924.175
Catalogue references
- Catalogue1924.175
Research required
- Research required: this record documents one museum specimen; type boundaries, varieties and specialist references have not been verified.