RAREST ca. 1870 IROQUOIS (SENECA) INDIAN SNAKE / CROSS EFFIGY LG. FEAST PLATTER

Description

This auction is for Truly RARE, MUSEUM GRADE ca. 1870 Iroquois Indian - Seneca Nation Ceremonial Snake and Cross Effigy Feast Platter Hand Carved from what appears to be Heavy Solid Maple Wood and comes from a Private Collection and is in Solid Original Condition with expected nicks and dings.  The Ceremonial Platter would have been Carved Specifically to be used at a Seneca Nation Feast (POTLATCH) to serve Food to the Tribal Members and was Carved with Special Designs for such a FEAST.  These Feast (Potlatch) Artifacts are Quite RARE and this a truly Beautiful Artifact. The entire Artifact has a Warm Patina - even the section that have chipped which only happens from Age.
Snakes - known as Djodi'  Kwado in the Iroquois Dialect - are seen as a Stealthy and Noble creatures and viewed with Awe and GREAT SPIRIT POWER.  But they also have a deadly connotation as well
This Seneca Indian Feast Platter Features # 2 Large Snakes with a center Snake in the shape of the Cross along with small Snake carving and a Border design.  The Iroquois People were introduced to Christianity by Jesuit Priests in the 16th and 17th Century during Original Contact and Incorporated some of these beliefs into their Culture over the Centuries.
This Artifact measures 16.5" in width ,  16" tall and is 1.25" thick and weighs a Dense 2.5 Lbs.
I am offering this Rarest of Iroquois Ceremonial Feast Effigy Platters with a VERY, VERY LOW "Buy it Now" price or you can Make an Offer - Sorry bit I'm not giving this on away - it's too RARE
* I accept PAYPAL and ship by Priority Mail by with Full Insurance to the lower 48 States.
* All Bidders are Kept Anonymous from other Ebay Members
* All  Sales  are  Final  -  Refunds  ONLY  - ONLY  If  the Item(s) is Significantly  Misidentified.   Thanks