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Northwest Native American Art
The native peoples were originally spread throughout the nation, inhabiting
different regions with different natural environments and resources, so it
is not surprising, then, that northwest Native American art would differ from
the art that arose from indigenous people of the plains or other regions of
the country. Differing raw materials inspired the creation of different types
of artistic expressions.
The totem pole, one of the more well known northwest Native American art
expressions is a perfect example of this. It was not a part of the traditional
arts of the plains peoples, as they did not have the great number of trees
available to them that the northwestern tribes did. However, the plains peoples
had grasses, and became skilled at the arts that made use of that resource,
such as basket weaving. With the great forests in their region, northwest
Native American art could include wooden creations, such as totem poles.
Naturally, there’s a great deal more to northwest Native American art
than totem poles, and like art everywhere, it often reflects the particular
culture and traditions of its region. The use of particular colors and shapes
is one way in which northwest Native American arts stands out from the Native
American art of other regions, with strong colors such as black and red being
favored.
Other mediums of expression besides those created of the plentiful wood of
the northwestern region, such as totem poles, ceremonials masks, and various
vessels, include textiles, blankets and rugs, which would have been quite
important to those living through the cold winters of the area, and various
types of baskets. Northwest Native American art traditions had a definite
influence over the design of these items, as well, and the textiles and basketry
of this region would typically be readily distinguished from those of other
areas.
The popularity of Northwestern Native American art extends far beyond the
region and into every part of the nation. The distinctive designs and strong
colors catch the eye, as well as the imagination, which places this regional
indigenous art into a category all its own.
Joseph Paige © 2006
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