Bentwood signed box in new condition

Bentwood signed box in new condition Bentwood boxes are unique to the Northwest Coast First Nations peoples of British Columbia. Traditionally, bentwood boxes were used for symbolic and practical purposes. The large chests with elaborate designs were often presented to honored guests during feasts or potlatches. They were also used as burial boxes for ancestors. More simply designed boxes were used for storage of clothing and household items, for transporting goods, cooking and to display important carvings. The design represented the clans and showed the rank, social status, individual wealth and spiritual power of the owner. They also portrayed legends or events in history. These boxes were prized by families and passed down to succeeding generations. When mortuary boxes, canoe boxes, regalia chests, etc are steam-bent, the surface that is actually bent after kerfing is only 1-2 millimeters thick. There is only one seam, which is epoxied and sealed. The box is signed by the artist James Michels. This genuine steam-bent box measures 6 inches by 4.75 inches by 4.75 inches.