Haida Arts and Technologies

The sides of bentwood boxes are created from a single piece of wood, typically cedar. The technique of bending the wood to create a waterproof box originated on the Northwest Coast and is still used today. Bentwood boxes are created by master carpenters — those with the mathematical knowledge and the skill needed to properly kerf (make a precise incision), steam and align the corners of the box. The containers can be used for many purposes, including cooking, storing wet or dry goods, transport, trade, storing regalia and ritual paraphernalia, or as grave boxes.

Bentwood boxes were, therefore, originally purpose-built. While the majority were left undecorated, some were painted and elaborately carved with formline designs, and inlaid with precious materials such as operculum shells, abalone shell, ivory or otter teeth. Boxes that were intended to store valuable items were decorated with a crest figure, whose spirit lived within the box and guarded its contents on behalf of the owner.

Today, bentwood boxes, chests and bowls are still valued for their practical purposes, and contemporary artists are recognized for the skill involved in creating them.

Today, bentwood boxes, chests and bowls are still valued for their practical purposes, and contemporary artists are recognized for the skill involved in creating them.