Bowl
about 1880–90
Medium/TechniqueCarved wood with ivory and abalone inlay and glass beads
DimensionsHeight x width: 3 1/2 x 14 x 4 1/2 in. (8.9 x 35.6 x 11.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hy and Shirley Zaret
Accession number2011.1692
ClassificationsWood Carvings / Turnings
InscriptionsPrincipal inscription in ink in caps on bottom:
NORTHWEST COAST ([torn] ka[?]) /
HAIDA OR KWAKIUTL /
POTLATCH BOWL /
BEAVER /
ABALONE EYES /
IVORY TEETH AND /
BACK DECORATION /
INSET WITH WHITE /
TRADE BEADS /
ABOUT 1880-1890 /
[Signed] Lee Parner 1973"
In ink, added to above text on right:
"COLLECTED /
1908-1909 /
SITKA"
Also in script on paper label on bottom:
"Bowls made by chief of tribe--given /
away to people invited to special /
feast to show off host's wealth Prob. /
contained food. Chief also threw /
[gap created by other inscription]
these things canoes etc. on /
fire to show off wealth."
Paper form printed in lower right: "Memo"
ProvenanceAbout 1908/1909, acquired by an unknown party in Sitka, Alaska [see note]. 1973, with Lee Parner [see note]. 1999, property of a Midwest private collection; November 30, 1999, anonymous (Midwest private collection) sale (sale no. 7398), Sotheby's, New York, lot 426, to Hy Zaret (b. 1907 – d. 2007) Westport, CT; 2007, by inheritance to Shirley Zaret, Boston; 2011, gift of Shirley Zaret to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 21, 2011)
NOTE: According to a label affixed to bottom of bowl.
