What Was The Social Importance Of Whaling In The Makah

Once the whale was harvested, the village utilized every part as nothing was useless. Whale bones were used for various tools such as spindle whorls, bark shredders, beaters, clubs and handles.26 Blubber and oil was an essential part of native life. Not only was the oil used in ceremonies and rituals but was consumed in large quantities. Oil was also a common trade item among the inland neighbors of the northwest coast and the Makah tribe traded up to 30,000 gallons a year.27

While there was obvious economic value to a whale, for the whaling complex of the northwest coast, whales were spiritually, religiously and culturally important. The Makah would usually capture 4-5 whales a year. Not only were there various Whale Societies dedicated to whaling, but also priesthoods were created in honor of whales. The Nootka believed

Artwork among the whaling groups portrayed whales and whalers in a grand fashion and evidence of their importance is still seen today in art. In a Makah potlatch, whales were of special importance. special dancers were employed to perform mimicking the movements of a whale in dance and shaking a whaler’s rattle. Even marriage ceremonies for the Makah incorporated some mimicry of whales and whaling. The bridegrooms would harpoon prospective brides longhouses and dances imitated the movements of whales. Whaling songs were incorporated into festivals, celebrations and feasts. When a child was born, blubber was placed in the newborns mouth. For the Makah, whaling wasn’t just an occupation but it held a ‘deep spiritual meaning’ that played into everyday life.31 It took on a spiritual significance in religion and brought a spiritual connection to the animals they hunted which was then observed in spiritual rituals.32 For the Makah whaling formed a cultural identity and heritage that continues to this day