Bentwood Box Item Number: A17072 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bentwood box in an unusual shape, with two square-shaped pieces connected by a narrow passage in the centre. The corners were bent, with the last corner, and base, pegged and sewn with cedar withe. Faded face painted at one end.
Narrative
According to James M. Williams Jr., this box originated in Sitka, and is possibly the only surviving box of this type. It would have been owned by an Ixt (medicine man) to hold materials used in curing and healing rituals. The faded face painted on one end may represent the Brown Bear Clan (Tek-Way-Dee)? (Information provided in response to a Facebook post of the box, by K. Bunn-Marcuse in 2023). For an infrared image of the painted face, see ‘The Transforming Image,’ page 83.
Item History
- Made in Alaska, USA between 1850 and 1900
- Collected in Sitka, Alaska, USA ?
- Owned by George Terasaki before January 1972
- Received from George Terasaki (Seller) and Walter C. Koerner (Funding source) during January 1972
What
Who
- Culture
- Tlingit
- Previous Owner
- George Terasaki
- Received from
- George Terasaki (Seller) and Walter C. Koerner (Funding source)
Where
When
- Creation Date
- between 1850 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before January 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during January 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 42
- Accession Number
- 0185/0001