• Age: 12
• Grade: 7

Bold, inventive 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.

In Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast, 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.

Hilary Stewart is an award-winning author best known for her books on Northwest Coast First Nations cultures. She has also been involved in teaching outdoor education and wilderness survival courses for many years, as well as studying the ethnobotany of the coast First Nations, and has an extensive practical experience in the use of plants. She lives on Quadra Island in British Columbia.

Hilary Stewart's profile page

Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast

This introduction to the forms and meanings of the two dimensional art of the Northwest Coast people considers the historical origins and the modern representations. In an accessible way the author introduces the basic components, anatomical features, design motifs (real and mythical animals) and the cultural styles of six coastal groups. The author outlines the social, spiritual and decorative use of the designs by the Coast Salish, Nootka (Nuu-chah-nulth), Kwaki utl, Tsimshian, Haida and Tlingit peoples. Also considered are the European taboos imposed on the art forms that started in the 19th century and the resurrection of the art in the 1960s and 1970s by the descendants of these peoples.

The author also wrote Cedar: The Tree of Life of Northwest Coast Indians, Looking at Totem Poles and The Adventures and Sufferings of John R. Jewitt, Captive of Maquinna.