Kwakiutls

Lifestyle

Salmon was a food source that not only sustained the villagers through the winter, but also played a role in establishing social technologies that created a people who used salmon and other surplus foods like dried halibut in feasts, coupled with oratory edifying of the known cosmology, which assisted in forming a “moral universe” society. This philosophy both honored and demonstrated a kinship with all life, earthly and supernatural. Much like the Koyukon in Alaska, the Kwakiutl also follow the respectful etiquette of returning the bones of the salmon to the sea after eating, a procedure showing respect to the fish in order to seek favor and to ensure the perpetuation of abundant salmon runs and harvests. In addition to salmon, halibut, and other fish, Kwakiutl subsistence included a variety of berries and crustaceans, supplemented by hunting and digging edible roots. Dried salmon, halibut, and deer were stored in large amounts to ensure survival through the winter, with winter feasting in mind.

The cedar was of inestimable value to the Kwakiutl, as all parts were utilized: bark, roots, wood, and withes. Wood was the base element for shelter, transportation, totemic displays, and bentwood boxes that held valuables such as blankets, masks, and copper shields. Cedar products were made not only for survival, but also as prestige items used in feasts and potlatches. To obtain the tree that would be best for a long house or canoe required skill in detecting the soundness of a tree; but most important, it required the prayers and intuitiveness to be drawn to the right tree, as the Kwakiutl believed it is the tree that offers itself.

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