Traditionally, woman are the basket makers, with each cultural group producing a number of distinctive styles and motifs. Basketry techniques are also used to make hats, mats and bags. All these served a variety of practical or ceremonial purposes. Return to top

The cedar reigns supreme among the trees appreciated and utilized along the Northwest Coast. The wood, bark and roots were used to create everything from dwellings and totem poles to blankets, baskets and rope. Two species of cedar are indigenous: western red and yellow cedar. Return to top

The most important symbol of wealth, power, status and prestige is the Copper; a shield-shaped object made of beaten copper, sometimes engraved with symbols. A copper has a rectangular base segmented with a ridged "T" line; the non-segmented top portion of the shield flares beyond the width of this base. Chiefs were known to cut o [..]

Eagle is one of the most important beings in art and mythology of the Northwest Coast peoples. It is respected for its intelligence and power. In many regions, families that carry the Eagle crest are traditionally the most prominent. Eagle is identified by a powerful hook beak and eagle eyes portraying its extraordinary vision. Eagle down is still [..]

Feathers and down are often used in various ceremonial contexts and are symbolic of supernatural powers such as extraordinary vision or the ability to travel beyond earthly realms. Feathers may also symbolize communication, healing and hospitality. Return to top

Frog is a creature that lives in two worlds: water and land. This crab of the woods is revered for its adaptability, knowledge and power to traverse worlds. They inhabit diverse realms, both natural and supernatural. Frogs are primary spirit helpers of shamans. In art this great communicator is often shown sharing its tongue or touching tongues wit [..]

This symbol of love and beauty is identified by a long, narrow beak, prominent eyes, a small head and sometimes a small curly plume with the presence of flowers. Haida stories tell of high-ranking women arriving at feasts with live hummingbirds tied to their hair to announce their beauty, wealth and prestige.Return to top

An edition or set of prints of a known number of impressions, usually fewer than 200, numbered and signed.Return to top

The traditional Northwest Coast house was a large rectangular building made with posts, beams and planks of red cedar. Housefronts were sometimes decorated with designs in relief carving or applied colour, and the family's stature might be stated with one or more totem poles. Return to top

Masks are widely used on the Northwest Coast and they exemplify sacred ceremony and ritual practices. A mask may be worn over the face, or over the entire head and even in some cases much of the body. The entity or entities represented by the mask confers knowledge, status and special powers to the human wearer. Historically, masks were carefully s [..]