Fiveable
Fiveable

Potlatches

Definition

Potlatches were ceremonial gatherings and feasts held by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. They involved the redistribution of wealth, where hosts would give away valuable items to guests as a display of their social status and generosity.

Related terms

Kwakwaka'wakw: A Native American tribe known for their elaborate potlatch ceremonies.

Wealth Redistribution: The act of distributing resources or wealth among individuals or groups in society.

Social Status: The position or rank that an individual holds in relation to others in a society based on factors like wealth, occupation, and reputation.

"Potlatches" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP Art History - 5.1 Interactions Within and Across Cultures in Indigenous American Art

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.