The Scholar's Feast: The Rosman Rubel Collection

Bowl, probably Tsimshian

Lot Closed

April 8, 05:09 PM GMT

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Bowl, probably Tsimshian

Length: 10 in (25.4 cm)

Abraham Rosman and Paula Rubel, New York

With formline design characteristics similar to the other square bowl, though simplified due to its smaller size, this one appears to have been created within the same general timeframe as the larger example. Condition wise, however, this bowl exhibits indications of a different primary use; that of containing eulachon (fish) or seal oil, both of which were used as condiments in which to dip pieces of dried smoked salmon or other fish, such as halibut, to enhance their flavor and qualities of "chew".

This use is apparent from the build-up of dried, black-oxidized oil residue on the interior and soaked-through exterior ends of the vessel. The bowl’s small size suggests it was used as a personal oil vessel, perhaps for use by more than one or two diners at a time. The rim has not been inlaid with the opercula shells that are common in many other examples including the larger vessel here. This may be related to the vessel’s intended purpose as an oil dish. Repeated drenching with fish or seal oil may have led to the opercula inlays falling out of their carefully cut recesses.

Steven C. Brown

March 2021