Haida art is renowned among Indigenous art styles. 13" long. Hand carved argillite with abalone inlays.
An argillite model of the giant feast bowls used at Potlatches, the expression of Northwest Coast Native culture and economy. Sea otters are associated with wealth and prestige. Two otters curl around the bowl from below. One head at each end. Their arms and legs wrap around the the bowl and their fingers grip the rim. Abalone is inlaid on the eyes, shoulders and thighs. This heirloom bowl reflects the rich Haida culture.
Sea otter's fur coat is an exceptionally thick, the densest fur in the animal kingdom. And once the outer guard hairs are removed it's very soft. Sea otters were once plentiful on the northwest coast but they were hunted almost to extinction during the fur trade. Their furs were shipped to europe and made into felt top hats. Today finally the sea otters are beginning to rebound.
