Graeme Teague Photography

Feasting Train 0092

Caption: Feasting Train 0092
Location: Vancouver, BC.
Copyright: © Graeme Teague 832-526-1123 gtphoto@shaw.ca
AGPix ID: AGPix_GrTePh23_2303
Digital Original
Comments: Kwakwaka'wakw Feast Dish train - Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada. House Feast Dish train - artist: Charlie James, cedar, made 1903-1907 Charlie James made this for Peter Smith (SEwidanaquilla), a Tlawitsas chief from Kalokwis village, in 1907. A document regarding a replica (561/1 a-y) made of this dish states that the original was previously owned by Peter's father, Sewid Smith. This dish privilege was shown at a potlatch hosted by Alex Smith, Peter Smith's nephew. Peter insists that in his time, nothing other than sugar was ever served from it. Sisiutl is a supernatural serpent, often represented with two heads, and associated with wealth and power. Wooden feast dish: (parts a-i) consisting of three large, deeply carved bowls (parts a-c) mounted on wheels, and loosely joined by mortise and tenon arrangements, the whole forming a supernatural creature called a sisiutl. The two end bowls (parts a and c) depict the head and body of the serpent with a large protruding snout, carved eyes, ears and bared teeth The middle bowl (part b) has a carved and painted human-like face with two hands on the joins. Two large ladles (parts d-e) project outwards like tongues, one from each mouth of the sisiutl, held in by their handles. On top of the sisiutl's two heads are horn-like protrusions (parts f-i). The bowl is painted black, white, green, red and yellow with Northwest Coast stylized designs. GTPhoto is a wonderful knowledge/photo agency with all award winning photographers, authors, filmmakers, scientists & guides covering our world - PNW coastal native culture an absolute specialty.