Culture of the NorthWest Coast
The NorthWest Coast tribes, were excellent carvers and weavers. They created beautiful masks, totems, and other forms of artistic representations. These art forms were used to describe their cultural beliefs, and rank among their tribe members.
NorthWest Coast tribes religion and culture are represented through the use of totems and masks. Their culture revolves around Animism, or the belief that animals and natural objects. Natural Phenomena is also included in this belief system, such as lightning, rain and geographical features. Animals are featured in the legends, and stories told within tribes. These stories featured masked dancers who would represent key heroic figures such as the 'trickster fox'. The dances were used to show …show more content…
Feasts were given, and gifts were traded. The host of the Potlatch usually gave away jewelry, totems, carvings, and slaves to his guests. It was believed that the more possessions an individual gave away, the higher his status among the group. Slaves were also freed to signify their status. Specialized workers used their skill in crafting gifts, preparing in advance for this exciting event among the NorthWest Coastal people.
North West Coastal jewelry began as a series of tattoos on their forearms and body. They believed that the markings would protects the weaker parts of themselves, such as the wrists. Later the tattoos were replaced with bracelets, rings and necklaces. Jewelry was used for specific occasions and individual gratification. Higher up among the ranks, individuals were given more freedom in their carvings and markings. Many of these individuals wore plugs or '' Jewelry was created from bone, animal horn material, and metals such as copper, gold, and silver. The first rings were crafted from European
The NorthWest Coast tribes, were excellent carvers and weavers. They created beautiful masks, totems, and other forms of artistic representations. These art forms were used to describe their cultural beliefs, and rank among their tribe members.
NorthWest Coast tribes religion and culture are represented through the use of totems and masks. Their culture revolves around Animism, or the belief that animals and natural objects. Natural Phenomena is also included in this belief system, such as lightning, rain and geographical features. Animals are featured in the legends, and stories told within tribes. These stories featured masked dancers who would represent key heroic figures such as the 'trickster fox'. The dances were used to show …show more content…
Feasts were given, and gifts were traded. The host of the Potlatch usually gave away jewelry, totems, carvings, and slaves to his guests. It was believed that the more possessions an individual gave away, the higher his status among the group. Slaves were also freed to signify their status. Specialized workers used their skill in crafting gifts, preparing in advance for this exciting event among the NorthWest Coastal people.
North West Coastal jewelry began as a series of tattoos on their forearms and body. They believed that the markings would protects the weaker parts of themselves, such as the wrists. Later the tattoos were replaced with bracelets, rings and necklaces. Jewelry was used for specific occasions and individual gratification. Higher up among the ranks, individuals were given more freedom in their carvings and markings. Many of these individuals wore plugs or '' Jewelry was created from bone, animal horn material, and metals such as copper, gold, and silver. The first rings were crafted from European