Meaning of POTLATCH
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| | Definition: | | Potlatch
A photo-essay about 13-year-old David, a member of the Tsimshain tribe, who is preparing for a potlatch--a gathering to celebrate a tribe`s history and heritage. Readers will follow along as David explains the extensive preparations for his tribe`s potlatch ceremony as well as the four days of ceremonial festivities. Illustrated with color photographs. more details ... |
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| Webster's 1913 Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | \Pot"latch`\, n. [Chinook potlatch, pahtlatch, fr.
Nootka pahchilt, pachalt, a gift.]
1. Among the Kwakiutl, Chimmesyan, and other Indians of the
northwestern coast of North America, a ceremonial
distribution by a man of gifts to his own and neighboring
tribesmen, often, formerly, to his own impoverishment.
Feasting, dancing, and public ceremonies accompany it.
2. Hence, a feast given to a large number of persons, often
accompanied by gifts. [Colloq., Northwestern America]
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| Glossary |
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| | Definition: | | a form of competitive giveaway found among the Northwest Coast American Indians that serves as a mechanism for both achieving social status and distributing goods. |
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