Grease Bowl

Wooden bowls are among the most iconic works created by the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast of North America. Large bowls, occasionally reaching twenty feet in length, were used to display and serve food during the great gift-giving feasts known as a potlatch. These bowls feature slightly bulging sides carved in relief with designs representing family crests. In contrast, small water-tight bowls were most often made to contain individual or family portions of eulachon a flavourful oil rendered from fermented candlefish. Because eulachon was considered such a delicacy among the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia, the top sides of the bowls were carved to bend inward to prevent spilling of their precious contents. Heavily impregnated with oil, the glossy surface appearance of the present dish testifies to its prolonged use on important social occasions. Masterfully carved in shallow relief, the slightly bulging sides display highly stylised formlines representing its owners’ family crests.