Among the Northwest Coast Indians (Tlingit, Haida, and others), potlatches traditionally are lavish community gatherings marking important events, such as funerals or marriages. In celebrations that often last many days, sumptuous meals are served; legends about clans and ancestors are sung and enacted with dances, masks, costumes, and drums; totem poles are often raised; and gifts are presented to all guests. Through this custom, cultural ties are renewed and strengthened.
Using details from historical potlatches, and skillfully weaving in legends about animals and spirits revered by NativesRaven, Grizzly Bear, Salmon, FrogMary Beck creates a compelling account of the potlatch ceremony and its place in a community's celebration of life, death, and continuity.
Among the Northwest Coast Indians (Tlingit, Haida, and others), potlatches traditionally are lavish community gatherings marking important events, such as funerals or marriages. In celebrations that often last many days, sumptuous meals are served; legends about clans and ancestors are sung and enacted with dances, masks, costumes, and drums; totem poles are often raised; and gifts are presented to all guests. Through this custom, cultural ties are renewed and strengthened.
Using details from historical potlatches, and skillfully weaving in legends about animals and spirits revered by Natives—Raven, Grizzly Bear, Salmon, Frog—Mary Beck creates a compelling account of the potlatch ceremony and its place in a community’s celebration of life, death, and continuity.
Acknowledgments 4
INTRODUCTION 5
Raven Survives 12
CREMATION AND SMOKING FEAST 13
Raven Creates the Tides 22
PREPARATIONS 23
Raven and the Flood 34
THE INVITATION 35
Raven s Creations 44
HOUSE BUILDING 45
In the Whales Belly 54
WELCOME 55
Raven Sends Fish to the Streams 62
THE POTLATCH 63
Raven in a Fog 76
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