Kwakiutl Indian Culture Summary

While reading about the Northwest Coast we learned a lot about how the Natives lived different life styles than other Natives. We got to dive into Benedict’s view of how she says the Kwakiutl Natives. We also got to dive into Goodman and Swan view on the Makah Natives. In class we talked about how some rituals had to be done underground because a lot of observes didn’t like their traditions. Later on they were allowed back in their society. We mostly learned about the similarity and difference between the Kwakiutl’s and Makah’s potlatch rituals. Well, we will start off with Benedict’s view of the Kwakiutl tribe. The Northwest Coast Natives themselves were pretty smart. They lived along the seacoast from Alaska to Puget Sound. Their culture had no common order, but Benedict did say (page 173) “They were a people of great possessions as primitive people go.” They relied on goods, inexhaustible, and obtained without using harsh labor. They mostly depended on fish as their sores of food. Their life, mostly depends on the ocean, they even build their houses along the coast. Tragically the Northwest Coast fell into ruins so our knowledge is very limited. They say the only well-known information we …show more content…
What I grasped from the reading is that their naming system is different. They grab mask and costumes and they perform a dance based on the music and costumes such as: Wolf, Halmatsa, Grizzly, or Eagle dance). There relatives also tell them to relax and be there selves for they will always be an Indian. After the Chief takes off the fifth mask she sees all his people and guards and protects them. Then the people sing and give gifts. After all the gifts are given they sing another set of songs. Then a big speech of thanks for coming is given and then it’s time to play games. After the games are over the potlatch party is over and everyone gathers their stuff and leave. According to the record, there are still some hosted to this