Boma Canada Cast Pewter Souvenir Spoons, Indigenous Northwest Coast Motif
Flatware (Souvenir Spoons) · Boma Manufacturing (Boma Jewelry), a Canadian company founded in 1986, renowned for producing pewter and sterling silver goods featuring Indigenous Haida and Coast Salish art designs. They are widely respected for their collaborations with Native artists.
Pattern: Indigenous Heritage Collection; featuring Pacific Northwest Coast motifs (Eagle, Bear, or Orca designs) and Shell patterns.
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Spoons)
Maker
Boma Manufacturing (Boma Jewelry), a Canadian company founded in 1986, renowned for producing pewter and sterling silver goods featuring Indigenous Haida and Coast Salish art designs. They are widely respected for their collaborations with Native artists.
Material
Cast Pewter. This is a base metal alloy primarily composed of tin, with small amounts of copper and antimony; it contains no actual silver content despite its silver-colored appearance.
Dimensions
Standard collector spoon size, approximately 10-12 cm (4.5 inches) in length; weight approximately 30-40 grams per piece.
Description
A set of three Canadian-made pewter collector spoons. These items are classic examples of West Coast giftware, featuring the distinctive artistic style of the First Nations people. While they mimic the appearance of antique silver, they are utilitarian decorative objects made from durable pewter.
Key Features
Distinctive Indigenous Canadian iconography on the finials; 'PEWTER' stamping which explicitly distinguishes these from silver products.
Material & Composition
Cast Pewter. This is a base metal alloy primarily composed of tin, with small amounts of copper and antimony; it contains no actual silver content despite its silver-colored appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Matte cast finish with oxidized recesses to highlight relief details. Decorative elements include traditional 'formline' Indigenous art on the finials and a shell-form bowl on the center piece.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'BOMA mfg pewter' and 'PEWTER CANADA'. One piece features a '©1983 BOMA' date stamp.
Construction Details
Gravity cast or die-cast in a single mold. Unlike fine silverware which is forged or spun, these show the soft edges and textured backs typical of mass-produced pewter casting.
Functional Features
Decorative finials used as handles; standard oval and shell-shaped bowls.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral cast handles featuring zoomorphic Indigenous iconography including traditional ovoid and U-form shapes.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality cast work. Mold lines are evident on the sides, and the reverse side lacks the fine hand-finishing found in high-end silver smithery.
Authentication Indicators
The 'PEWTER' stamps are the primary authentication indicator, confirming these are not silver. The 'BOMA' mark is consistent with authentic 1980s factory production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Boma is a quintessential Canadian giftware brand associated with West Coast tourism.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century (Post-Modern era), specifically early 1980s Canadian souvenir art movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1983-1990, based on the specific copyright dates and the height of the pewter souvenir market.
Cultural Significance
Represents the commercialization and celebration of Pacific Northwest Indigenous art in the late 20th-century Canadian tourism industry.
Condition Notes
Good condition; visible surface tarnish typical for pewter (a greyish patina); some minor surface scratches and casting pitting. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$5.00 to $10.00 USD per spoon. The current listing price of $6 each or 3 for $15 is exactly at current market value.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver polish. Clean with mild soap and warm water. Pewter is soft and should be stored away from harder metals to prevent deep scratches.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with sterling silver souvenir spoons by makers like Skinner or Birks; however, these lack the '.925' or 'Sterling' marks and are significantly heavier and 'greyer' in color.
Interesting Facts
Boma often worked with legendary Haida and Kwakwaka'wakw artists to license designs, making these affordable entries into Northwest Coast art appreciation.