| "In the old days the Haida potlatched to each other - and danced - when a new house was built and when a man raised a totem pole in honour of his uncle, whose noble name he inherited and pledged his life to uphold. Today not only has the occasion for the event changed, but so have the witnesses. The Haida are now potlatching as a people to the world. Through Ulli's camera, you and I are invited to be their witnesses." From the Introduction by Marjorie Halpin Potlatch - a word rich with history, conjuring up images for each of us. In 1981, Robert Davidson, well-known Haida artist from Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands, adopted as his brother Joe David of the Clayoquot band. In keeping with tradition, Robert hosted a potlatch, or ritualized feast, and invited the elders of his village to use this occasion to bestow Haida names on the younger generation. Over 400 people attended the two nights of feasting, dancing, speech-making and name-giving that were the culmination of more than a year's preparation. They came from great distances - Hydaburg, Alaska, the west coast of Vancouver Island, the village of K'san, the city of Vancouver - to witness and take part in the celebration. |
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| Robert asked Ulli Steltzer, long-time friend of the Davidson family, to photograph the event. Later Steltzer interviewed many of those who had been involved in the potlatch—elders and children, conservative and innovative, all sharing a concern about cultural revival. The artfully woven photographs, speeches and interviews provide some profound and delightful insights into the thoughts of the participants and the nature and meaning of potlatching. Steltzer's unforgettable photographs capture the atmosphere and a moment in time. Her sensitive and sympathetic documentation of a contemporary potlatch is a vital record of tradition in the making. |
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