Potlatch, a ceremonial distribution of gifts observed by North American tribes of the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska.

These tribes, such as the Kwakiutl, emphasized competitiveness and were acutely conscious of social standing.

Occasions for potlatches included weddings and deaths in the family of the host.

The festivities began with dancing, feasting, and speechmaking. The host would then distribute gifts, usually in the form of food and blankets.

The host might even destroy money and verbally abuse his guests to indicate his financial and social superiority.

Guests who received gifts were obliged to hold potlatches of their own at a later date. They would usually try to give gifts of an even greater value than those they had received in an attempt to establish their own superiority and wealth.

The formalized style of this Heiltsuk portrait mask is characteristic of the people of the Pacific Northwest Coast. This mask, made in the mid-19th century, was probably used at memorial potlatches, during which the Heiltsuk would speak to their ancestors. The mask wearer represented the returning spirit of the deceased. Bridgeman Art Library, London/New York

"Potlatch," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000 http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.