On the West Coast, First Peoples created wealth from salmon fishing. Surpluses from the fishery supported large permanent villages led by powerful chiefs and their families.
Productive and stable salmon runs made year-round settlements possible as early as 7,000 years ago. Beginning 4,000 years ago, First Peoples began to build large permanent communal houses. Over time, individuals came to own the right to fish in the richest locales. Powerful chiefs controlled villages and the surpluses which enhanced their power. They redistributed their wealth to display their prestige and sustain their communities.
Just as it is today, social rank was very important in West Coast villages. Chiefs and matriarchs held the highest rank. They administered the economic and political affairs of their clans and performed the rituals that ensured their well-being. Potlatches, or feasts, were held to mark significant events and to display the wealth and prestige of the family by giving gifts to others. These gifts consisted of stored food and many other valuable items.
Signs of Status
Elite women wore labrets — ornaments inserted into pierced holes on the lip. Copper, made into jewellery and other objects, was also a status symbol.
How labrets were worn
Labret, stone3,000 to 1,000 years ago
CMH, GbTo-31:X-609
Labret, stone3,000 to 1,000 years ago
CMH, GbTo-31:2179
Pendant, bear tooth3,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, GbTo-33:2719
Pendant, bear tooth3,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, GbTo-33:2904
Pendant, bear tooth3,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, GbTo-33:3535
Bracelet, copper3,500 to 120 years ago
CMH, XI-A:1244
Ornament, copper3,000 to 1,000 years ago
CMH, GbTo-31:525a-b
Hairstyles
Hairstyles could be used to convey status. Oral history indicates that elites, commoners and slaves often wore different styles.
Comb, antler (Reproduction)2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, XII-B:587
Status in Stone?
The purpose of these carved objects is not fully understood. They were likely used by elites during public ceremonies.
Seated figure bowl, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, XII-B:1838
Seated figure bowl, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, VII-G:620
Seated figure bowl, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, XII-B:1799
Carving, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, XII-B:1696
Carving, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, XI-A:1395
Warfare and Slavery
Pacific Coast warriors fought with clubs, spears and bows, and sometimes wore armour. Rivalries and vendettas between powerful families could lead to warfare. The capture of slaves was an important motivation in warfare. Slaves held the lowest social rank in coastal societies. Valuable status symbols, they could be traded, freed or killed by their owners.
Club, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, XII-B:1827
Club, stone2,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, VII-G:605
Slave killing club, antler3,000 to 1,000 years ago
CMH, GbTo-31:211
Photo at top of page:
Pendant, bear tooth
3,500 to 500 years ago
CMH, GbTo-33:3535