Sustaining Community
Description:
Sdlàagwaal
Spoon
Haida

Utensils for eating and serving can symbolize the heritage and wealth of a family, providing a tangible connection to our ancestors. As in many cultures, decorated vessels are used for serving food at festivals and feasts, further strengthening the ties of family across generations. Locally, they may be plain or embellished with crest designs, often inlaid with abalone and operculum shells. Spoons, ladles, bowls, and other feasting dishes are carved from horn or local hardwoods.

This carved goat horn spoon has a bird like figure running parallel to the handle with two spots for abalone shell inlay. The heavy wear on the spoon likely comes from frequent use.

Ketchikan Museums: Tongass Historical Society Collection, THS 74.1.6.9
Click to Enlarge
Horn spoonHorn spoon
Horn spoon - bowl detailHorn spoon - bowl detail
Horn spoon - bowl interiorHorn spoon - bowl interior
Horn spoon - engraving detailHorn spoon - engraving detail
Horn spoon - bowl detailHorn spoon - bowl detail
Spoon with CM rulerSpoon with CM ruler