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Glite Dictionary
potlatch

potlatch

1 9.9
A special feast on the northwest coast of North America where the host gives gifts to show wealth and position
  • noun
  • /ˈpɑːt.lætʃ/
  • Specialized
: potlatch
  • House-to-house visits satisfied obligations but took away much of the potlatch's significance.
  • potlatch gifts
  • potlatch ceremony

And in British Columbia, excuse me, where I live, the indigenous people used to have a ceremony called a potlatch.

Examples

  • Hey, l really appreciate you letting me contribute a little piece of venison to your potlatch.

    Imagine That (2009)

  • Outside observers, even those who did not understand the potlatch system, were struck by the ways in which it seemed to flourish after contact with Europeans.

    Academic text (2001)

  • At the present time, they are performed at the height of the potlatch, just prior to or immediately after the distribution of gifts.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The giveaway or potlatch is an essential part of Native American cultures.

    Blog text (1)

  • The Kwakiutl treasures stored at the museum included many masks and decorated feast bowls related to the potlatch.

    Academic text (1991)

  • In The Accursed Share, Georges Bataille discusses the problem of generosity in the potlatch, and also what is gained in such conspicuous consumption.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Although at the time the Kwakiutl were resisting a Canadian law prohibiting the potlatch, Boas predicted that the custom would eventually become extinct.

    Academic text (1991)

  • During the potlatch, the host showcased their wealth by distributing beautifully crafted gifts to the guests.

  • The community gathered to celebrate the potlatch, where everyone brought food and presented gifts.

  • At the potlatch, traditional songs and dances accompanied the generous sharing of wealth among the participants.

Surface Forms

potlatch singular
potlatches plural

Etymology

Potlatch comes from a Native word putlatch from the Pacific Northwest that meant 'to give' or 'a gift'. So a potlatch is a special feast where the host gives away gifts to show wealth and status.