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West Coast First Nations Art
West Coast First Nations art is differentiated from the art of other regions by the unique forms, colours and subjects. It makes an exciting, interesting addition to any art collection. This artistic style is bold and bright.Red, black, green, white and yellow are the most common colours.
When viewing this kind of art, you’ll notice that the pieces have similarities.
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For instance, the following forms characterize West Coast First Nations art:
- Ovoid
- Inner ovoid
- U-form
- Split U-form
- S-form
You’ll see killer whales, eagles, bears, ravens and sea lions.
Other subjects in West Coast First Nations art include figures from legends, stories of past events and items commonly used by the people such as canoes, weapons and tools.
Totem Poles
Perhaps the best-known form of Northwest aboriginal art, totem poles are huge sculptures carved from tree trunks. Canada’s western coastline is home to giant cedars and red cedars; these are the trees typically used for totem poles.Totem poles probably began as practical poles for housing. Over the years they became more artistic and larger. During the fur trade, they became symbols of wealth and prestige for First Nations leaders and families.
Christian missionaries weren’t fond of totem poles. They didn’t view the towering poles as pieces of West Coast First Nations art but rather as examples of heathenism. As a result, very few totem poles were made in the later part of the 19th century. West Coast First Nations Art Today Throughout the 20th century, there has been renewed interest in this type of art. Increasing numbers of artists from the West Coast aboriginal groups are creating totem poles, masks, baskets, blankets, bentwood boxes, carvings and paintings.
Are you interested in starting your own collection? The first name you’ll want to learn more about is Charles Edenshaw. Edenshaw was a Haida artist from the 19th century. He’s considered to be a father of the northwest aboriginal art style.
Other names you may recognize or want to learn more about are:
- Darlene Gait
- Roy Henry Vickers
- Don Yeomans
- Andy Everson
- Charles Edenshaw
- Robert Davidson
- David R. Boxley
- Freda Diesing
- Tony Hunt
- Nathaniel P. Wilkerson
