POTLACH (the Okanagan Nation)

1. POTLACH (the Okanagan Nation)

3. “There’s a custom common among all north-west Indians of giving away property. Among the Nisgas, say, every man has practiced it. These devil rites are interspersed with dancing… I draw a conclusion these orgies are feast-given and after the feast, the property are distributed. Such a custom clearly strikes at the root of any real improvement.” Robert Thomason, missionary, Aug 1874 WHAT is it? WHERE is it?

4. go give Potlach!... for what PURPOSE? • Secure political/economic status (rivalry potlach) • Pass title/priviledge to a heir/member of the same numima (life event potlach) • to save one’ s face/reputation (penalty potlach)

5. WHEN to give one… • life event potlach • birth, adoption, puberty, marriage, death • penalty potlaches • bad manners, trespassing taboos, deformed child born,… • rivalry potlaches • “the one who destroys or gives away more property wins and secures his status”

6. HOW to give one • invite the guests • feast them • make the gifts abiding by “the invariable distribution-sequence” • (“pray for the desired effect”)

7. WHAT to give away mainly: • twined blankets • hides • copper plates (were the most valuable)

8. summary 1 showing off wealth, rank and personal pride in a distinctly rank-stratified culture BUT: “they give their poor relations such a share of their possessions as would keep them from want, for they are very liberal to every one of their own tribe.” X “ Such a custom clearly strikes at the root of any real improvement.”

9. summary 2 • No name, dance, song or other priviledge could be used by anyone without having it acknowledged by the community a successful potlach in itself could not legitimize a man’s claim. Rather, it was the behaviour of other hosts who recognized his claim at later potlaches that validated his claim!

10. “rhythm is a dancer…”