DCHP-2
potlatch system Pacific Coast DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
THIS ENTRY MAY CONTAIN OUTDATED INFORMATION, TERMS and EXAMPLES
the system of holding reciprocal potlatches (def. 2a) and thus incurring the accompanying debts and obligations of this social institution among the Coast Indians.
See also: potlatch ((n.)) (def. 2a, 2c)
- 1955 Practically identical with that of the other tribes . . . was the potlatch system of the Kwakiutl, except that there was more rivalry between the heads of clans, and consequently more extravagance and wanton destruction of both food and property for no other purpose than to enhance the prestige of the potlatch-giver.
- 1958 The potlatch system was a powerful spur to ambition, but finally the privilege of giving began to be abused and distorted until it resembled a huge octopus, which held all customs and habits of the Indians in its embrace.
- 1961 . . . almost annually deputations had gone to Victoria to try to secure . . . the maintenance of the potlatch system.
- 1966 . . . some of us grieve the suppression and near extinction of the potlach system. . . .
- 1955 Practically identical with that of the other tribes . . . was the potlatch system of the Kwakiutl, except that there was more rivalry between the heads of clans, and consequently more extravagance and wanton destruction of both food and property for no other purpose than to enhance the prestige of the potlatch-giver.