Minneapolis Institute of Art

Bowl

Dakhóta artist

Date

c. 1750–1850

Medium

Maple burl, brass tacks

Culture

Dakhóta

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Wooden bowls were an integral part of traditional life for the tribal groups of the Plains and Great Lakes/Woodlands regions. Carved by men, they were used primarily for utilitarian and ceremonial purposes; decorated examples were highly regarded. The head on this bowl probably represents Eyah, the spirit of eating heartily. Carving an image of Eyah on a bowl reinforced the custom of consuming large amounts of offered food. Dakhóta, United States, Americas

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