The Potlatch
An important aspect of Makah life is the potlatch, which serves to enhance social standing and redistribute wealth and property. Potlatches are social events that mark passages in life, record oral history and maintain the status of families. Marriage and naming ceremonies, coming of age parties, memorials and feasts would sometimes last up to 10 days and neighboring tribes are invited. There is a strict protocol in the organization and presentation of the event, where family and guests reiterate their family privileges and entertain each other with inherited songs and dances and elaborate ceremonies commemorating the event. Preparation for these great feasts might take years, as the family needs to acquire or make enough gifts for all the guests.