First Nations Bentwood Chest Orca Whale Design

Attention US Customers: due to the ongoing tariff situation between the USA & Canada, you may be invoiced up to 10% by UPS & the US government for imported Canadian goods Bentwood boxes are unique to the Northwest Coast First Nations peoples of British Columbia. Traditionally, bentwood boxes were used for symbolic & 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 & household items, for transporting goods, cooking & to display important carvings. The design represented the clans & showed the rank, social status, individual wealth & spiritual power of the owner. They also portrayed legends or events in history. These boxes were prized by families & 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 & sealed. Each box is signed by the artist James Michels. This genuine steam-bent box measures 8.5 inches long by 5.75 tall by 5 inches deep. The 'Killer Whale' is a symbol of communication & unity. Please allow up to three weeks for delivery as each box is hand-made. First Nations Bentwood Chest Orca Whale Design