Northwest Coast Tlingit / Haida Food Storage Bentwood Box - (circa 1880s) for Sale

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Northwest Coast Tlingit / Haida Food Storage Bentwood Box - (circa 1880s) For Sale

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Northwest Coast Tlingit / Haida Food Storage Bentwood Box - (circa 1880s):
$4650.00

This is a beautiful and historic old Tlingit / Haida Bentwood Box dating from circa 1880s.
Bentwood boxes are traditional to the northwest coast with many uses: As oil and food dishes, storage boxes for food, medicine or ceremonial regalia, water buckets, burial boxes, canoe tackle boxes, drum boxes and more. They could also be used to steam food by filling the box with water and dropping stones from a fire into the box.
Good information on the internet about the importance of such boxes to the Northwest Coast peoples. Just Google search. and read / see photos.
Very traditional method of construction - basically, the Red Cedar (Yellow cedar or Spruce) wood planks were notched/grooved in three sections (to form the three corners of the box); steam bent and the fourth corner would get sewn / pegged or sometimes nailed together - like this example.
****This specimen is a gorgeous artifact. The Red Cedar wood possesses a very nice golden yellowish hue and oily patina from years of exposure to the smoky atmosphere within the Tlingit / Haida longhouse. These types of unpainted / uncarved Bentwood boxes would\'ve functioned as simple food storage containers ( for smoked salmons and other meats) -- their elaborate painted/engraved counterparts (the ones with traditional formlines and totemic motifs) were normally used to house ceremonial regalia and/or ceremonial artifacts.
Great thing about this piece is that it retains its original lid....Hard to find ones with lids.
This box is in very good condition for its old age. Just the usual age related scratches, minor dents and some stains. A long dark stain runs along the entire length -- on one side (as shown in photos) -- this appears to be a burn mark (?) Nothing serious really. Also, a narrow split in the wood along the base - this is an old age crack/split - it\'s very stable.
This will make a superb addition to any good -- and growing -- collection of historic Northwest Coast Tlingit / Haida art.
The elaborate boxes command big sums on the market -- $15,000 and up.
If you are looking for a good historic NWC bentwood box, and, one that\'s quite affordable - this piece is the perfect one. Large in size too.
Dimensions - 18.5 inches (height) X 16.5 inches (width) X 12 inches (length).
*****SEE PHOTOS FOR BEST DESCRIPTION; KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING; DO YOUR RESEARCH.***** ALL SALES ARE FINAL; ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS.......ASK QUESTIONS!
Thanks for looking:)
Best,Rez