noun
- ceremonial feasts held by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, involving the giving away or destruction of property to display wealth and status
Usage: anthropological; cultural
Examples
- The chief hosted elaborate potlatches to demonstrate his family’s prosperity.
- Potlatches were banned by the Canadian government from 1885 to 1951.
- During potlatches, hosts would give away blankets, food, and other valuable items.
- The Kwakwaka’wakw people are known for their traditional potlatches.
- Anthropologists studied potlatches to understand Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures.
- Modern potlatches continue to play an important role in maintaining cultural traditions.