Final answer:
A competitive feast that functions as a redistribution exchange on the North Pacific coast of North America is called a potlatch. This ceremony, associated with the Pacific Northwest, involved chiefs giving gifts to demonstrate their wealth and elevate their status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The competitive feast that occurs on the North Pacific coast of North America and functions as a redistribution exchange is known as a potlatch. This socio-political ceremony was integral in gatherings that celebrated important community events, showcasing the host's status and wealth through the distribution of gifts and lavish feasts. The potlatch took place among Indigenous peoples such as the Haida, Kwakiutl, and Tlingit, and involved chiefs presenting gifts to guests to demonstrate their wealth and social rank. Wealth in the Pacific Northwest was determined by the amount an individual could give away, thus a successful potlatch would often elevate a person's or family's status within the community.
As for the practice of potlatch, it is associated with the Pacific Northwest region. This area was densely populated and culturally diverse due to the rich natural resources, particularly salmon, which supported a high carrying capacity for large populations and complex political structures. The potlatch played a crucial role in maintaining and reinforcing hierarchical societal structures.