“Northwest Coast Native art has always had the power to enthrall viewers. From the first explorers to the present day collector, highly graphic and inventive Indian designs have intrigued and sometimes mystified observers. Distinguished by sophistication and complexity, yet composed of simple traditional elements, Northwest Coast Indian art has become one of the most sought after contemporary art forms.
Although grouped together as “Northwest Coast” the work of the major cultural groups – Haida, Tlingit, Tsimpshian, Kwagiutl and Coast Salish – show many stylistic differences. All Northwest Coast native art, however, makes use of local cedar for masks, monumental art, wood carving, bentwood boxes and baskets. Magnificent totem poles and house posts have become emblematic of the Northwest Coast and tell stories of a rich, ancient native culture.
The same traditional form-line designs used on totem poles and masks are now employed on contemporary two-dimensional art. Serigraphs or silk-screens sold in limited editions have become one of the most popular forms of non-traditional, commercial Northwest Coast Native Indian art.
Coast Salish artist Susan Point’s works in glass, and Kwagiutl artists Richard and Stan Hunt’s bronzes have also stretched the boundaries of materials used by contemporary Northwest Coast tribal artists. As prominent Haida artist Robert Davidson has said: “The only way tradition can be carried on is to keep inventing new things.”
“Loon” by Ron Aleck
9″w x 6″h – $ 395
“Eagle Moon” by Tom Hunt
36″ diameter – $8,000
“Dragonfly” by Ruthie Wilbur
24″w x 9″h – $900
“Salmon Panel” by Andy Wilbur Peterson
24 diameter – $1,400
“Bear Helmet” by Tom Hunt
23″ x 14″ x 10″ – $7,500
“Blue Heron Panel” by Andy Wilbur
20″ w x 30″h – Sold
“Wolf Helmet” by Tom Hunt
24″ x 16″ x 10″ – $7,500
The Iroquois people have inhabited northeastern Canada and the United States for more than 4,000 years. Today they form the Six Nations, which is the largest First Nations reserve in Canada. It is the only reserve in North America that has representatives from all six Iroquois nations living together—the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora. Many Iroquois currently live in the heart of their homeland, New York State, as well as Ontario and Quebec in Canada.
Though commonly referred to as Iroquois or Six Nations, they choose to go by the name Haudenosaunee, which means People of the Longhouse. What made them so unique was their form of self-government. Historians estimate that the Iroquois Confederacy started around 1491, which would make it the oldest living participatory democracy on Earth. Their society serves as an outstanding example of political and military organization, a complex lifestyle and an elevated role of women in social government.
In the Iroquois culture, stories are passed down verbally from generation to generation as well as through quality arts and crafts. They have always excelled at sculpting, bead work, basketry and pottery. They create objects out of materials from their immediate environment, including clay, stone, bone and antler. Designs on their soapstone sculptures and pottery are often symbolic in their meaning, reflecting their beliefs and values while conveying a spiritual connection with the land and animals. Each piece carries with it the history and legends of their heritage.
“Strawberry Maiden” – by Henry Cyrill
12″ w x 10″ h x 6″ d – Back View
