МАЭ № 2938-24

Figure of an ancestor

Kodiak Eskimos

19th century

paint, wood

height 7.4 cm, width 3.4 cm, thickness 2.6 cm

“The memories of hunters or those who died in battle are especially venerated . . . When the Islanders put on festivities in honor of their relatives they bestow gifts on the attendees at the end of the celebration. During these wakes one would deliver a flattering speech about the deceased so that he would be certain to receive very valuable gifts.” (Davydov 1812: 85—86).

Ethnography of America