Westcoast Nations: Potlatch Authors: Jenny, Sean, Nicolas, Draven
Definition and Chinook The potlatch was a large, formal festival, celebrated by communities. The word potlatch was originated from the Chinook expression "patshatl". This means "to give". Chinook is a language developed for trading. It is a combination of words and expressions from multiple native languages. Definition and Chinook
What is a potlatch A potlatch is a large, formal celebration, where villages get together to gather & exchange gifts, socialize and eat food. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
Purpose, Title, Rights, and Gifts of Potlatch Next Slides: Purpose, Title, Rights, and Gifts of Potlatch
A potlatch was a large, formal community celebration with formal rites arranged by a host in honor of certain events like: Rites of passage -Birth -Puberty -Marriage -Death -Transfer of Inheritance
Procedures Plans and preparations are discussed with the host. Formal invitations then are sent to guest village(s). (Guest villages are given the opportunity to deliver the invitation to assemble groups for a special feast held in their honor.) If villagers were distant, they would arrive a day or two early. They would wait until other guests arrived, and would go out to meet them as a group.
How did the environment affect this ceremony? Landforms Weather, temperature, Landforms may have affected potlatches, because they start early, they need to travel faster in regions that are difficult to trek. Villagers may need to climb up a mountain to get to the other village, which would consume a lot of time. The best place to have a potlatch would be in a large flat area, so that it is easier to travel through. Weather would also affect potlatches, since due to unfortunate weather, it would not be a acceptable to have a potlatch outside. Also, various temperatures may impact a potlatch. For example
Procedures (continued) 3. Guests are called in order of rank and priority and are escorted to their seats. The seating order is arranged carefully, prior to the ceremony. Commoners + lower ranks were seated as a group. 4. The celebration begins with a display of copper crests, followed by music and dance performances. 5. Holders of new titles are bestowed with gifts that are announced by the speaker, “talleyman”.
How did the environment affect the culture and societies? Potlatches were held in regions that had a rainy climate with four seasons and many natural resources. Because they had abundant resources, they created: bark blankets, fur coats, skirts, breechcloths and moccasins on special occasions. How did the environment affect the culture and societies?