CU Potlatch Art Symbolism and Function Discussion

Lecture 11 and textbook Chapter 12 (Clan) introduced you to the potlatch ceremony of the Northwest Coast Native people. What is the function of 1) potlatch dishes, such as Stan Wamiss’ Halibut Feast Dish (fig. 5.20); 2) potlatch hats (Lecture 11); and 3) totem/crest poles, such as Arthur Shaughnessy’s Interior House Post (fig. 12.15)? Compare and contrast what the three artforms have in common and what makes them different?

and you don’t need to include any resources it should be more of what you think and not what others think

Include images of the artworks you’re discussing in your thread. Answer the prompt thoroughly and to the best of your ability. If you think you’ve written too much, write a bit more — We all like details.