Northwest coast tribes considered
animals similar to human beings but
with arying degrees of supernatural power. Each animal had its own
teaching and healing medicine. All of
them were capable of taking human
form and assumed their other forms
when consorting with humans.
There were salmon people, herring
people and grizzly bear people. In
lore frequent references are given
to a time when animals were
humans, gifted with the power of
speech and other human attributes.
People believed that animals had
souls which are immortal and they
are reborn after death.
Northwest Coast art is distinguished by the use of form lines, and the use of characteristic shapes referred
to as ovoids, U forms and S forms. Before European contact, the most common media were wood, stone,
and copper; since European contact, paper, canvas, glass, and precious metals have also been used. If
paint is used, the most common colours are red and black, but yellow is also often used, The patterns
depicted include natural forms such as bears, ravens, eagles, and humans; legendary creatures such as
thunderbirds and sisiutls; and abstract forms made up of the characteristic Northwest Coast shapes.
Totem poles are the most well-known artifacts produced using this style. Northwest Coast artists are also
notable for producing characteristic "bent-corner" or "bentwood" boxes, masks, and canoes. Northwest
Coast designs were also used to decorate traditional First Nations household items such as spoons, ladles,
baskets, hats, and paddles; since European contact, the Northwest Coast art style has increasingly been
used in gallery-oriented forms such as paintings, prints and sculptures.
