Understanding Northwest Coast Art: A Guide to Crests, Beings and Symbols

Shearar, Cheryl

ISBN 10: 0295979739 / ISBN 13: 9780295979731

Published by Douglas & McIntyre; University of Washington Press, Vancouver and Seattle, 2000

About this Item

143 pages, illustrations, map; 22 cm. Tight, clean copy. *** "Easy to use and easy to read, Understanding Northwest Coast Art is an essential source for understanding and visually identifying the underlying themes and subjects of Northwest Coast Native art. The first section of this book features an alphabetical list of words relating to Northwest Coast art, with definitions, descriptions and explanations and synopses of the major myths associated with them. As an aid to identification and understanding, many of the crests, beings and symbols are illustrated in the 60 black-and-white reproductions of contemporary works of art. The second section offers descriptions of the art styles and types of decorated objects created by the various Northwest Coast cultural groups." - Publisher. Size: 8vo.

Seller Inventory # 109100

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Understanding Northwest Coast Art: A Guide to Crests, Beings and Symbols
• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre; University of Washington Press, Vancouver and Seattle
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0295979739
• ISBN 13: 9780295979731
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Canadian

About this title

Synopsis

Understanding Northwest Coast Art is a handy, dictionary-style reference guide to identifying and understanding the symbols, crests, and beings depicted in Northwest Coast Native American works of art such as totem poles, masks, and prints.

The first section of the book features an alphabetical list of words relating to Northwest Coast art, with definitions, descriptions, and explanations and synopses of the major myths associated with them. As an aid to identification and understanding, many of the crests, beings, and symbols are illustrated in 70 reproductions of contemporary artworks and archival photos. The entries cover a wide range: crests such as Eagle, Dogfish, or Dragonfly; ancestral beings such as Creek Woman or Thunderbird; mythic beings such as Raven, the Chief of the Undersea, or Cedar Man; and supernatural beings such as Death-Bringer.

Understanding Northwest Coast Art also includes brief descriptions of the design conventions, design elements, and different art styles of Northwest Coast cultural groups, along with an overview of the interconnections between art, myth, and ceremony.

Easy to use and easy to read, this volume is an essential source for understanding and visually identifying the underlying themes and subjects of Northwest Coast Native American art.

About the Author

Cheryl Shearar is the owner of the Salmonberry Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Toronto.