Object number:
H69.449.2
Object name:
bowl
Material / Technique:
Steatite
Dimensions:
H: 3.5 in, Dia: 4 in
Credit line:
Gift of Mr. S. E. Carpenter
Copyright status:
Copyright Not Evaluated
Physical description:
Bowl. Description: Steatite bowl, boat shaped; approximately 9 1/2" long, and 3 1/4" wide.
Content description:
SEC" painted in white and red paint on bottom. Also bears #53-175 on tape (referring probably to the Catalina Museum where it was once on loan.) History: found on Catalina Island, corner of Crescent and Sumner Sts., Avalon; in 1925 while excavating to lay a building foundation.Bowl. Description: Steatite bowl, approximately circular, 3 1/2 to 4" diameter at top opening. Approx. 3 1/2" high. "SEC" painted in white and red paint on bottom. Also bears #53-174 on tape (referring probably to the Catalina Museum where it was once on loan.) History: found on Catalina Island, corner of Crescent and Sumner Sts., Avalon; in 1925 while excavating to lay a building foundation. From the History Information Center "Object: Steatite bowl collected on Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. "History: The peoples of the Santa Barbara coast traveled to Catalina Island to mine steatite, which is also known as soapstone. The made very serviceable kitchenware from this soft and porous stone by grinding it with harder stone tools. Sometimes the person doing the manufacturing roughed out the inside of his bowl, making sure it was just the right size and shape, before he removed the chunk from the parent outcrop. Steatite was a very popular material for cooking pots. It could be heated to a very high temperature without breaking, and even the worst of cooks found it hard to burn the family meal in one of these vessels."
Cultural affinity:
Southern California Indian; Southern California culture area
Consultation and/or research has led us to believe that this item is not considered funerary or culturally sensitive. However, affiliated Tribe(s) determine the cultural significance of their items. If this item is a part of your heritage and you wish to contact us about it, please email nagpra@museumca.org.
For additional information on OMCA’s work in service to Native communities, please click here.
Currently on display in
the Gallery of California History
The examination and research of objects within OMCA’s collection is ongoing.
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