Silver Spoon
A sterling silver spoon with a raven carved on the handle. The reverse side has a small "sterling" stamp.
- Object: Silver Spoon
- Artist: Amos Wallace / Jeet Yaaw Dustaa
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 4.25" long
- Culture Area: Pacific North West
- Cultural Group: Tlingit / T’akhdeintaan
- Cultural Context: The associated paper, original, with the spoon reads: "POTLATCH SPOON. Designed by Amos Wallace. ... A Tlingit Indian, and one of the few notable present-day carvers among the Northwest Coast Indians. The Potlatch Spoon is shaped very similar to the delicately-carved mountain-goat horn or wooden spoons used at feasts, which were a part of the Potlatch. The Raven engraved on the handle is the symbol of Wallace's own clan. The Potlatch was an important ritualistic and festive occasion given to observe various events, and it motivated the creation of richly carved and painted ceremonial objects and utensils. There was dancing, feasts, business was transacted, and gifts were lavishly dispensed by the host to his guests. The prestige of the host was to a large extent based on the degree of his extravagance. Guests were bound to accept accept the gifts, and were in turn obligated to reciprocate with another Potlatch."
- Donor: Chris Nelson
- Catalog #: 2025.10.1