Ladle c. late 19th century

This is a carved wooden ladle, probably made in the 19th century by a Tlingit artist in what is now Alaska. Functional objects like this beautifully made spoon were also important markers of social status. Totemic crests like the wolf or bear carved here were the inherited property of particular clans, representing their history and identity. Displaying these emblems at feasts or potlatches was a way of publicly affirming social rank. The possession of fine serving pieces was thus integral to the complex protocols of Tlingit society. The museum that now houses this ladle is another kind of institution, one that emerged in the 19th century with its own social agenda of classifying cultures and defining artistic value. The display of Native American art in museums raises questions about cultural appropriation. Luckily, today's museum visitors can access a wide range of research to help them understand how historical and social context is crucial for interpreting objects like this.