Potlatch

Potlatch the most famous of the competitive feasts.

People potlatched to claim titles, honors, and power.  Competition over these was a function of the kinship system.

Potlatch greatly raised overall productivity.

In its demise in the 19th century, it demonstrates fundamental dynamics of big-man competitive feasting.

In the modern world, potlatch has become a signifier of Native American unity and difference.

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