A variety of containers for the feast, including trays and serving dishes, were made by the bentwood technique , in which a single plank was steamed, kerfed and bent at three corners, then pegged together at the fourth. Bases were morticed and pegged to the sides. Shallow rectangular bentwood trays were standard items at a feast. The sides were often of alder, and the bottom was generally red cedar. The shape of the top of the rim alternates between concave and convex on each of the four sides.
Most trays have a raised flat pedestal at each end, on which to rest spoons.
A deep bentwood food dish. The design on it, originally painted in black and red, is that of a Whale with Nansimget hanging onto its head. Collected at Skidegate in 1897 by Charles F. Newcombe. These bentwood dishes were often made in the shape of animals or humans, with faces and hands at one end, and hips, legs and feet at the other. The most elaborate example has a sculptured face and tail on the ends and bas-relief arms, legs and hip joints on the bulging sides.