Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast

by Hilary Stewart

• ISBN13: 9780888942296
• ISBN10: 088894229X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-01
• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre

Summary

Bold, inventive and highly graphic, the indigenous art of the Northwest Coast is distinguished by its sophistication and complexity. It is also composed of basically simple elements, which, guided by a rich mythology, create images of striking power. This indispensable and beautifully illustrated book is the first to introduce everyone, from the casual observer to the serious collector of Northwest Coast prints, to the forms, cultural background and structures of this highly imaginative art. The elements of style are introduced; the myths and legends which shape the motifs are interpreted; the stylistic differences between the major cultural groupings are defined and illustrated. Raven, Thunderbird, Killer Whale, Bear: all the traditional forms are here, deftly analyzed by a professional writer and artist who has a deep understanding of this powerful culture. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 11
The Two-dimensional Art	p. 15
The Basic Components	p. 19
Form Line	p. 19
Ovoid	p. 19
Inner Ovoid	p. 20
U Form	p. 20
Split U Form	p. 20
S Form	p. 22
Anatomical Features	p. 25
Body	p. 25
Eyes	p. 25
Nose	p. 26
Ears	p. 26
Eyebrows	p. 26
Tongue	p. 26
Arms, Legs, Hands, Feet, Claws	p. 28
Bird Feathers, Tails and Wings	p. 30
Structural Variations	p. 33
Split Figures	p. 33
Transformation Figures	p. 34
A Design Fitted to a Given Shape	p. 36
Identification of Design Motifs	p. 41
Whale	p. 42
Bear	p. 43
Wolf	p. 46
Mountain Goat	p. 48
Otter	p. 48
Beaver	p. 50
Sea Lion	p. 52
Seal	p. 53
Eagle	p. 54
Raven	p. 57
Hawk	p. 60
Hummingbird	p. 62
Loon	p. 63
Owl	p. 64
Thunderbird	p. 65
Frog	p. 68
Sisiutl	p. 70
Salmon	p. 72
Dogfish	p. 74
Halibut	p. 76
Red Snapper	p. 78
Bullhead	p. 79
Sea Monster	p. 80
Mosquito	p. 81
Sun	p. 82
Moon	p. 84
Box Designs	p. 86
Human	p. 88
Cultural Styles	p. 91
Coast Salish	p. 91
West Coast (Nootka)	p. 94
Kwagiutl	p. 97
'Ksan	p. 100
Haida	p. 104
Tlingit	p. 107
Bibliography	p. 110
Index of Artists	p. 111
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.