NORTHWEST ART
The Northwest Indians were very good
craftpersons and artists. When they needed things for everyday life-baskets,
blankets, clothing, canoes- they made them by hand.
The greatest skill that these Indians
had was working with wood. Because they were surrounded by great
forests, they used wood to make a lot of their crafts. The Indians
of the northwest coast were known for their totem poles.
The totem pole was a kind of sign.
These poles were found in front of a house and told a story about that
family. Totem poles could be up to 80 feet tall. The figures
on the poles could be humans, animals, or other creatures.
Totem pole located off NW coast
The Northwest Indians were also very skilled at making canoes.
Because they lived on the coast and ate a lot of fish, they needed boats.
The largest canoes measured 60 feet or more in length. They often
carved beautiful pictures and animals into the canoes too.
Man carving a canoe
These Indians also made beautiful bowls, baskets, and blankets.
They were very skilled.
Back to Northwest Main Page
Edited on April 22, 1998
by Rachel McDonough